Targeting metal imbalances in cancer cells
Official title: Coordination chemistry approaches to target cellular metal dysregulation
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11057612 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how iron in our cells can affect cancer growth and is testing new tools that can lower iron levels specifically in cancer cells, which might help make cancer treatments work better and cause fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $336,190 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153364-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057612 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are known to be associated with metal dysregulation, particularly those with high iron levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers do not involve metal dysregulation or those who are not eligible for chelation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain metals, particularly iron, are regulated within cells and how their dysregulation can contribute to cancer progression. The team is developing specialized chelators that can selectively target and reduce iron levels in cancer cells, which may help slow down their growth. By utilizing unique chemical properties that activate these chelators specifically in cancer cells, the research aims to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies. This approach could lead to new treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects than current options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that specifically target cancer cells by modulating metal levels, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using metal-targeting therapies in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be a valuable addition to existing methods.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomat, Elisa — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Tomat, Elisa
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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.