Enhancing cancer treatment by targeting how cancer cells use glutamine

Targeting glutamine metabolism to enhance the efficacy of radiopharmaceutical therapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11028547

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11028547 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer or renal cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not rely on glutamine metabolism or those with early-stage cancers may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: androgen independent prostate cancer, androgen indifferent prostate cancer, androgen insensitive prostate cancer, androgen resistance in prostate cancer, androgen resistant prostate cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.