NIH-funded research R21 grant

Targeting a specific cell death pathway in a type of aggressive thyroid cancer.

Official title: Targeting Ferroptosis in BRAF (V600E) Mutant Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10877833 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a new treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer that has a specific mutation, aiming to see if combining two types of drugs can help make the cancer cells die more effectively, which could lead to better results for patients facing this tough condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$178,238
NIH project number5R21CA273495-02
Project IDNIH-10877833 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer that has the BRAFV600E mutation.

Less likely to help

Patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer who do not have the BRAFV600E mutation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) that often has a mutation known as BRAFV600E, which makes it resistant to standard treatments. The study aims to explore a new approach that combines BRAF inhibitors with agents that induce ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death that is particularly effective in these cancer cells. By understanding how these treatments work together, the researchers hope to improve outcomes for patients with this challenging cancer. The research involves laboratory experiments to test the effectiveness and safety of this combination therapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with BRAFV600E-mutant anaplastic thyroid cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting ferroptosis in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be a viable option for improving patient outcomes.

Where this research is happening

  • Stanford University
    Stanford, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kebebew, Electron — Stanford University
  • Study coordinator: Kebebew, Electron

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.