Using deferiprone to improve breast cancer treatment

Reposition and Optimization of Deferiprone for Breast Cancer Therapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-11054688

This study is looking at how an existing medication called deferiprone can be used in new ways to help treat different types of breast cancer, especially for those that don’t respond well to current treatments, by targeting specific processes that help cancer cells survive.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorGEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11054688 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to repurpose deferiprone, an FDA-approved medication, to develop new treatments for breast cancer by targeting specific epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to the disease. The approach involves optimizing deferiprone to inhibit histone lysine demethylases, which play a crucial role in cancer cell survival and growth. By focusing on various subtypes of breast cancer, including those resistant to current therapies, the research seeks to provide more effective treatment options for patients. The methodology includes laboratory experiments and bioinformatics analysis to identify the most promising therapeutic candidates.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those with triple-negative breast cancer or those who have shown resistance to existing therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with non-breast cancer conditions or those who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for breast cancer, particularly for patients with resistant forms of the disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the repurposing of existing drugs for new indications is a common approach, this specific application of deferiprone for breast cancer treatment is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, 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: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Cell, Breast Cancer cell line, Breast 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.