Understanding how cancer cells resist treatments that target autophagy

Resistance mechanisms to autophagy-modulating therapies

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11017826

This study is looking at how some cancer cells, especially in melanoma, become resistant to treatments that help them recycle and survive, and it aims to find better ways to combine these treatments with existing therapies to help patients respond better to their cancer care.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11017826 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which cancer cells develop resistance to therapies that modulate autophagy, a process that helps cells recycle components and survive stress. By focusing on advanced cancer, particularly melanoma, the study aims to identify how certain proteins and pathways contribute to this resistance. The researchers will explore the effects of combining autophagy inhibitors with existing FDA-approved therapies to enhance treatment efficacy. Patients may be involved in clinical trials that test these new combinations to improve their response to cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced melanoma or other advanced cancers who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancer or those who have not yet undergone any treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with advanced cancer who currently do not respond to standard therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in combining autophagy inhibitors with existing therapies, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Advanced Cancer, anti-cancer therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.