Targeting ferroptosis to fight cancer
Targeting ferroptosis in cancer therapy
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11284018
Researchers are exploring whether triggering ferroptosis—an iron-driven way cancer cells die—can help treat tumors that resist current therapies.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11284018 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies how an energy-sensing protein called AMPK controls ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death that can kill cancer cells. Scientists will use cancer cell models and experimental systems to test drugs and drug combinations that turn on ferroptosis or remove blocks to it. The team will link these lab findings to tumor growth and response to treatments to guide future therapy development. If the lab results are promising, the work could move toward patient testing at clinical centers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future trials would most likely enroll patients with solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments or whose tumors show biological signs of ferroptosis resistance.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancer conditions or those seeking immediate personal treatment should not expect direct benefit from this primarily laboratory-focused research at this time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells by triggering ferroptosis, particularly for tumors resistant to existing therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab and animal studies of ferroptosis-based approaches have shown promise, but translation to clinical trials and proven patient benefit remains limited and early.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GAN, BOYI — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: GAN, BOYI
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 below.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents