Improving cancer treatment by enhancing a specific type of cell death during immunotherapy

Enhancing Ferroptosis to Augment Responses to Immune Checkpoint Blockade

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION · NIH-11098469

This study is looking at how boosting a special kind of cell death can make cancer treatments work better for Veterans with common cancers like lung and skin cancer, by combining it with radiation therapy to help the immune system fight the tumors more effectively.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11098469 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how enhancing a specific type of cell death, known as ferroptosis, can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating common cancers among Veterans, such as lung, colorectal, renal, and melanoma. The approach involves combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy to stimulate the immune system's response against tumors. By understanding the molecular mechanisms behind this process, the research aims to develop new treatment strategies that could lead to better outcomes for patients who currently do not benefit from existing therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, or melanoma who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments for Veterans, improving their chances of recovery and long-term survival.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy, suggesting that this approach could be effective in enhancing treatment outcomes.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.