Improving treatment for resistant thyroid cancers using metabolic changes.

Metabolic modulation of alkylating agent efficacy in MEK inhibitor resistant thyroid cancers.

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-10675021

This study is looking at how changes in the way thyroid cancer cells use energy might make treatments less effective for people with anaplastic thyroid cancer, especially those who no longer respond to certain medications, and it aims to find new ways to improve treatment by focusing on these energy changes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10675021 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how metabolic changes in thyroid cancer cells can affect the effectiveness of treatments for anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), particularly in cases where patients have developed resistance to MEK inhibitors. The study aims to understand the role of lipid droplets in cancer cell metabolism and how these changes can be targeted to enhance treatment outcomes. By creating models of resistance in the lab, researchers will analyze how these metabolic alterations can be leveraged to improve therapy responses in patients with ATC.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer who have shown resistance to current MEK inhibitor therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with thyroid cancers that are not anaplastic or those who have not undergone MEK inhibitor treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with resistant thyroid cancers, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been some success in targeting metabolic pathways in other cancers, this specific approach in anaplastic thyroid cancer is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.