Ferroptosis-based drugs to target chemo-resistant cancers
Development of anti-cancer probes targeting ferroptosis pathway
Researchers are developing drug-like compounds that kill chemotherapy-resistant tumors by triggering ferroptosis, a different way for cancer cells to die.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248775 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have a cancer that stopped responding to standard chemotherapy, this project aims to create drugs that force tumor cells to die through ferroptosis instead of the usual apoptosis route. The team discovered a potent compound called TKD1079 that killed lung and fibrosarcoma cancer cells in lab tests while sparing normal lung cells. They plan to make and test improved versions of TKD1079 to boost solubility and other drug-like properties, then evaluate those candidates in lab and animal models. The long-term goal is to produce drug candidates that could be tested in people with hard-to-treat cancers like non-small cell lung cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The intended future candidates would be adults with hard-to-treat or chemotherapy-resistant solid tumors, for example non-small cell lung cancer that no longer responds to standard therapies.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate new therapy will not benefit now, because this is early, laboratory-focused drug development rather than a treatment trial for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for cancers that are resistant to current chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Other preclinical research has shown ferroptosis-inducing compounds can kill resistant tumors in cells and animals, but clinical testing in humans remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Hadley, United States
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skouta, Rachid — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Skouta, Rachid
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.