Enhancing cancer treatment by targeting how cancer cells use glutamine
Official title: Targeting glutamine metabolism to enhance the efficacy of radiopharmaceutical therapy
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11028547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help treat prostate and kidney cancers by blocking the cancer cells' use of a nutrient called glutamine, which they need to grow, and it might work even better when combined with radiation therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $545,078 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA295705-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11028547 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer or renal cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not rely on glutamine metabolism or those with early-stage cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treat certain types of cancer, particularly prostate and renal cell cancers, by inhibiting glutamine metabolism. By blocking the cancer cells' ability to use glutamine, the therapy aims to starve the cancer cells of energy and essential building blocks needed for their survival. The study will explore the effects of a specific type of radiopharmaceutical therapy on glutamine metabolism in cancer cells, potentially improving the effectiveness of existing treatments. Patients may benefit from a combination therapy that targets both cancer metabolism and DNA damage caused by radiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with prostate and renal cell cancers, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cancer metabolism, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although the specific combination with radiopharmaceutical therapy is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Sangeeta — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ray, Sangeeta
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.