Exploring new cancer treatments using iron-activated drugs

Understanding efficacy and FE(II)-Promoted Activation of 1,2,4-Trioxolanes in cancer

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11143196

This study is exploring new cancer treatments that use iron to help special drugs target and kill cancer cells more effectively, especially for patients with aggressive tumors linked to the KRAS gene, while trying to keep healthy cells safe.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11143196 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates innovative cancer therapies that utilize iron to activate specific drugs targeting cancer cells. By focusing on the unique way cancer cells handle iron, the study aims to develop new treatments that can selectively kill cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. The approach involves creating drug conjugates that are activated in the presence of labile iron, which is found in higher concentrations in cancer cells. This method seeks to improve the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments, particularly for aggressive tumors driven by mutations in the KRAS gene.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with cancers driven by KRAS mutations or those who have not responded well to traditional therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve the RAS MEK ERK pathway or those who are not adults may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments that specifically target malignant cells.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting cancer cells through similar mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could be a viable new treatment strategy.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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-cancerAnti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer druganti-cancer therapeuticanti-cancer therapy
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.