Exploring a new way to kill drug-resistant glioblastoma cells using cysteine depletion.
Cysteine Depletion-induced Ferroptosis as a Therapeutic Vulnerability i
This study is exploring a new way to treat glioblastoma, a tough brain tumor, by finding out how to make cancer cells die in a different way when they resist standard chemotherapy, which could lead to better treatment options for patients with recurring tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10646489 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor, by inducing a specific type of cell death known as ferroptosis through cysteine depletion. The study focuses on understanding how certain cancer cells become resistant to the standard chemotherapy drug temozolomide (TMZ) and aims to identify new therapeutic options for patients with recurrent tumors. By examining the role of a specific enzyme involved in cysteine metabolism, the researchers hope to develop strategies that can effectively target and kill these resistant cancer cells. Patients may benefit from this research if it leads to new treatments that improve survival rates for glioblastoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who have shown resistance to standard chemotherapy treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with glioblastoma who are not resistant to chemotherapy or those with other types of brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with drug-resistant glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of inducing ferroptosis is gaining attention, this specific application in drug-resistant glioblastoma is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Shi-Yuan — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Shi-Yuan
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 below.