Finding a new way to kill cancer cells in sarcoma
Official title: Triggering a New Cancer Cell Death Mechanism in Sarcoma
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11074625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way that cancer cells can die, which could help develop better treatments for sarcoma, a type of cancer that doesn't have many good options right now, by testing a special drug in mice to see if it can trigger this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $457,726 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272485-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074625 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sarcoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not respond to the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel mechanism of cell death that is different from traditional methods like apoptosis. By using small molecules, the team aims to understand how certain lipid metabolic enzymes can trigger this new form of cell death, particularly in sarcoma, a type of cancer that currently lacks effective treatments. The study will involve testing these mechanisms in genetically engineered mouse models to see if a clinical drug candidate can activate this cell death pathway. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic strategies that arise from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for sarcoma and potentially other cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel, previous research has shown promise in targeting unconventional cell death mechanisms in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dixon, Scott — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Dixon, Scott
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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.