Ferroptosis in drug resistant glioma
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11397246 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at why hard-to-treat brain tumors stop responding to standard chemotherapy and explores a new way to kill resistant cancer cells by triggering a form of cell death called ferroptosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA279896-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397246 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients whose glioblastoma has become resistant to temozolomide may benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with newly diagnosed, TMZ-sensitive glioblastoma may not directly benefit from these specific resistance-focused studies.
What this research studies
For patients with glioblastoma, resistance to temozolomide is a major hurdle. The research team will compare antibody-free tumor models that are sensitive or resistant to TMZ to understand metabolic changes, especially around cystine and iron, that could make resistant tumors vulnerable. They will test how ferroptosis—an iron-dependent way cells die—can be induced using specific agents, including ebselen, to potentially overcome resistance. The study uses preclinical models to map vulnerabilities that could be targeted in future therapies. If these findings translate, they could lead to new treatment options for patients whose tumors no longer respond to current chemotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new targets to make resistant brain tumors treatable and extend survival.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown metabolic vulnerabilities can sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis, but application to TMZ-resistant glioblastoma is continuing to mature.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tiek, Deanna Marie — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Tiek, Deanna Marie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Next‑gen oncolytic virus therapy for glioblastoma targeting AKT and ERK
A new cancer therapy using an engineered oncolytic virus to fight glioblastoma by blocking AKT/ERK signals and boosting the body’s immune response, with potential to reduce seizures and improve quality of life.
-
Bone marrow immune cells and glioma progression in teens and young adults
A study in adolescents and young adults with brain tumors looks at how immune cells from bone marrow may influence the progression from low-grade to high-grade gliomas.
-
How RNA Splicing Might Shape Glioma Cell States and Therapy Response
A small NIH-funded project will study how alternative RNA splicing influences glioma cell identities and treatment resistance in patient-derived cells.
-
Liquid biopsy for monitoring high-grade glioma using patient-specific DNA junctions
A Mayo Clinic team tests a blood test that looks for unique tumor DNA pieces in glioblastoma patients to monitor disease without frequent scans.
-
Deciphering how a brain cell pH helper influences glioma growth
A study is exploring whether a brain cell pH regulator (Slc4a4) affects the growth and blood vessel changes of malignant glioma to identify new angles for treatment.
-
Predicting how gene therapy spreads in glioblastoma after surgery to improve treatment coverage
This project uses a gene therapy that helps radiation work better against glioblastoma and builds computer models to predict where the therapy reaches after surgical tumor removal.
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.