Understanding how ferroptosis resistance affects cancer treatment with radiation

Ferroptosis resistance as a key driver in acquired radiation resistance

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10917380

This study is looking at how some lung and esophageal cancers can survive radiation therapy by avoiding a specific type of cell death called ferroptosis, and it's trying to find new ways to make radiation work better by combining it with treatments that encourage this cell death.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10917380 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of ferroptosis, a type of cell death, in the resistance of certain cancers to radiation therapy. By exploring how some tumors, particularly lung and esophageal cancers, resist this form of cell death, the study aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of radiation treatment. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including CRISPR screens, to uncover the mechanisms behind this resistance and test potential treatments that combine ferroptosis inducers with immunotherapy. This approach could lead to more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with lung or esophageal cancers that have shown resistance to radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve ferroptosis resistance or those who are not undergoing radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments that are more effective against resistant tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using ferroptosis inducers as a strategy to enhance cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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 Cancer TreatmentCancers
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.