NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating glucose transporters in cancer metastasis

Official title: Exploring SGLTs as Theranostic Targets for Cancer Metastasis

Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10992131 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a new compound can help deliver cancer treatments more directly to tumors by using special transporters in the body, which could lead to better care and fewer side effects for people with metastatic cancer.

More Metastasis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startDecember 1, 2023
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$198,366
NIH project number5R21CA280151-02
Project IDNIH-10992131 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic cancers, such as breast, prostate, lung, or brain cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage cancers or those not expressing SGLTs may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the role of sodium-dependent glucose transporters (SGLTs) in various cancers, particularly their potential as targets for both diagnosis and treatment. By developing a new compound, 6FIGA, which is selectively transported by SGLTs, the study aims to improve the delivery of therapeutic radionuclides directly to cancer cells while minimizing side effects. The research utilizes advanced imaging techniques, such as PET scans, to visualize SGLT activity in tumors, which could lead to better treatment planning and outcomes for patients with metastatic cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for patients with metastatic cancer.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of glucose transporters in cancer treatment is an emerging field, this specific approach targeting SGLTs with a novel compound is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

  • Case Western Reserve University
    Cleveland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Muzic, Raymond F — Case Western Reserve University
  • Study coordinator: Muzic, Raymond F

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.