Improving cancer treatment by targeting mitochondrial function after radiation therapy
Targeting Mitochondrial Redox Capacity to Overcome Cancer Subtype that Regrowth After Radiation
This study is looking at how some prostate cancer cells manage to survive and grow back after radiation treatment, and it's testing if certain approved medications can help make radiation work better by targeting those tough cancer cells while keeping healthy cells safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11046575 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain prostate cancer cells survive and regrow after radiation therapy by examining their mitochondrial function. The study focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms that lead to resistance against radiation, particularly in cancer cells with high mitochondrial activity. Researchers are testing FDA-approved drugs, like azithromycin, to see if they can enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy by increasing reactive oxygen species in cancer cells while protecting normal cells. The goal is to identify new treatment strategies that can prevent cancer recurrence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with localized prostate cancer who are undergoing or have undergone radiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with prostate cancer that is not localized or those who have not received radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for prostate cancer, reducing the chances of cancer recurrence after radiation therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting mitochondrial function to improve cancer treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaiswing, Luksana — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Chaiswing, Luksana
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.