Exploring how to overcome resistance to radiation therapy in lung cancer by targeting a specific cell death process.

Targeting ferroptosis in radioresistance in lung cancer: mechanisms and preclinical translation

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10986973

This study is looking at how a special type of cell death can help fight lung cancer, especially for patients whose tumors have certain genetic changes that make them resistant to radiation therapy, and it aims to see if combining radiation with this cell death method can improve treatment results.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10986973 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a type of cell death called ferroptosis, which is important for suppressing tumors, particularly in lung cancer. The study focuses on understanding how certain mutations in lung cancer cells can make them resistant to radiation therapy and how inducing ferroptosis can potentially enhance the effectiveness of this treatment. By combining radiation therapy with ferroptosis inducers, the researchers aim to improve treatment outcomes for patients with specific genetic mutations in their tumors. The approach involves detailed laboratory studies to assess the mechanisms behind this resistance and the effectiveness of the combined treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with KEAP1-mutant lung cancer who are undergoing radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancer that does not have KEAP1 mutations or those who are not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for lung cancer patients who currently do not respond well to radiation therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting ferroptosis in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

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.
Conditions anti-cancer therapycancer therapyCancer Treatmentcancer-directed therapyCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.