Modulating cysteine metabolism to kill small cell lung cancer cells
Official title: Modulating cysteine metabolism to induce cell death in small cell lung cancer
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11357646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Stanford-led research project aims to find new ways to trigger death in aggressive small cell lung cancer by targeting how these cancer cells use cysteine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,693,498 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA285740-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with small cell lung cancer whose disease characteristics match the cell states studied (neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine states) and who are eligible for future translational trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers lacking the specific metabolic vulnerabilities studied or with contraindications to proposed interventions may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how small cell lung cancer cells rely on specific amino acids and metabolic pathways to grow and survive. Researchers will study different cancer cell states to see how cysteine metabolism can be turned against the cells, potentially causing them to stop growing or die. The work uses laboratory analyses of cancer cells and their metabolism to identify vulnerability points that could be targeted by future therapies. The goal is to uncover treatments that work across the diverse cell states seen in SCLC and improve outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new treatments that more effectively kill small cell lung cancer cells and extend patients’ survival.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest cell-state–specific roles for cysteine metabolism in SCLC, indicating a promising, though still early, approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dixon, Scott — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Dixon, Scott
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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.