Investigating new ways to kill cancer cells without triggering apoptosis

Lysosomal-mitochondrial signaling in non-apoptotic cancer cell death

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-10977348

This study is looking at a new way to help fight cancer by using a special compound called HMA that can kill stubborn cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone, and it's for anyone interested in better treatments for cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10977348 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel approach to eliminate cancer cells that resist traditional treatments by targeting different cell death mechanisms. The study explores how lysosomal and mitochondrial signaling can induce a specific type of cell death in cancer cells, using a compound called hexamethylene amiloride (HMA). HMA has shown promise in killing various cancer cell types while sparing normal cells, making it a potential breakthrough in cancer therapy. The research aims to understand the underlying processes that allow HMA to effectively target and destroy cancer cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with therapy-resistant cancers, particularly those who have not responded to standard chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers that are effectively managed with conventional treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for cancer patients who do not respond to conventional therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated that targeting non-apoptotic cell death pathways can be effective, suggesting this approach may hold promise.

Where this research is happening

Davis, 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.
Conditions Breast Cancer Cell
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.