Targeting a specific cell death process in aggressive lung cancer types

Targeting ferroptosis in aggressive subtypes of lung cancer

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11133425

This study is looking at ways to help people with a specific type of lung cancer that has certain gene mutations, by finding new treatments that can make the cancer cells die off more effectively, which could improve their overall care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11133425 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving treatment outcomes for patients with a specific type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has mutations in the STK11 and KEAP1 genes. The study investigates how these mutations allow cancer cells to evade a form of cell death known as ferroptosis, which is crucial for controlling tumor growth. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, the researchers aim to identify new therapeutic strategies that can induce ferroptosis in these resistant cancer cells, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments. The goal is to better understand the mechanisms behind this resistance and develop targeted therapies that can overcome it.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with STK11/KEAP1 co-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of lung cancer or those without the STK11/KEAP1 mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve survival rates for patients with aggressive lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While targeting ferroptosis is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar cancer types, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 anti-cancer researchanti-cancer therapyBreast CancerCancer Cause
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.