Targeting CXCR4 and redox metabolism to treat lung neuroendocrine cancers with targeted alpha therapy
Official title: Project 2: Targeting CXCR4 and Redox Metabolism for Targeted Alpha Therapy of Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Tumors and Carcinomas
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11401208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to develop a new alpha-particle therapy approach for hard-to-treat lung neuroendocrine tumors by attacking CXCR4 and redox pathways.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $378,652 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA302572-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401208 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates may have pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors or NECs with CXCR4 expression or those who could benefit from targeted alpha therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CXCR4-expressing tumors or those unable to receive alpha-therapy due to comorbidities might not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on lung neuroendocrine tumors, including atypical carcinoids and NECs, which often become resistant to current treatments. It uses preclinical models to test 212Pb-pentixather, a CXCR4-targeted alpha therapy, and its theragnostic partner 203Pb-pent to estimate radiation doses to tumors and healthy organs. The work also explores how disrupting redox metabolism may boost tumor killing while limiting damage to normal tissues. If successful, the approach could pave the way for clinical development of a more effective, targeted treatment option for patients with these aggressive cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have a more effective and precise treatment option that targets tumor cells while reducing harm to normal tissues.
How similar studies have gone: Early preclinical data are promising, showing tumor targeting by CXCR4-directed alpha therapy, with translational potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spitz, Douglas Robert — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Spitz, Douglas Robert
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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.