Targeting a Ferroptosis Defense Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer
Official title: Targeting a Novel Ferroptosis Defense Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11449121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at pancreatic cancer, this grant tests a new way to trigger cancer cell death by ferroptosis (a iron-driven form of cell death) and overcomes resistance tied to KRAS signaling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $404,922 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA307561-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who may benefit from future ferroptosis-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
This preclinical grant may not directly benefit patients in the near term but could inform future therapies for those with PDAC.
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously hard to treat because cancer cells dodge traditional death pathways. This project focuses on a ferroptosis-based strategy, exploring how cancer cells suppress this death route and how to overcome that suppression. Scientists identified CYCS as a key player that helps cancer cells avoid ferroptosis and are studying how inhibiting this pathway could make tumors more vulnerable. The work uses genetic screens and cellular models to understand the mechanics and tests a small molecule, 10A3, that may promote ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. The goal is to lay the groundwork for new therapies that specifically push pancreatic tumors toward ferroptotic death.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that make pancreatic tumors more responsive to therapy by unleashing ferroptosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that manipulating ferroptosis pathways can influence cancer cell death, with growing evidence supporting this approach in resistant tumors.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Xinxin — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Song, Xinxin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
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Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
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Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
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Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
-
Programmable implanted living materials to fight pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing program will explore a safe, implantable living material that delivers sequential immunotherapies directly to pancreatic tumors to help fight cancer.
-
Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
A study exploring whether blocking the interaction between platelets and pancreatic cancer cells could slow cancer growth and spread and help identify new biomarkers.
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.