Exploring a new way to kill cancer cells using ferroptosis

Targeting ferroptosis in cancer therapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11034144

This study is looking at a special way that cancer cells can die, called ferroptosis, and how we can use this knowledge to create new treatments for cancer, especially for those tough-to-treat types.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11034144 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a unique form of cell death called ferroptosis, which is triggered by iron and excessive lipid peroxidation. The study aims to understand how this process can be harnessed to develop new cancer therapies. Researchers will focus on the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps regulate energy in cells, and how it influences ferroptosis in cancer cells. By identifying the mechanisms behind ferroptosis, the goal is to create effective treatments that can target resistant cancer cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that exhibit resistance to traditional therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers that are highly responsive to standard treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative cancer therapies that effectively target and kill cancer cells resistant to current treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of targeting ferroptosis is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in understanding its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, 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: Anti-Cancer Agents, anti-cancer drug, anti-cancer therapy

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.