Targeting a specific enzyme to treat cancer

Targeting the detoxification function of the enzyme KDSR for cancer therapy

NIH-funded research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10993196

This study is looking at how blocking a specific enzyme called KDSR can make cancer cells less healthy by causing a buildup of harmful substances, and it hopes to find out which types of cancer might be most affected, so that new treatments can be developed to help patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10993196 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the enzyme KDSR in cancer cells, focusing on how its inhibition can lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites that harm cancer cells. By understanding the metabolic pathways involved, the researchers aim to identify cancer types that are particularly dependent on KDSR for detoxification. The study will explore how disrupting this enzyme can impair the function of cancer cells, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from targeted therapies that exploit this vulnerability in their cancer cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with specific types of cancer that show elevated levels of the toxic metabolite 3KDS and are dependent on KDSR for detoxification.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not rely on KDSR for detoxification or those with advanced-stage cancers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new cancer therapies that specifically target and kill cancer cells by disrupting their detoxification processes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic enzymes for cancer therapy, indicating that this approach could be a viable strategy.

Where this research is happening

Worcester, 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 therapy
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.