Using high doses of acetaminophen to target cancer stem cells

High dose acetaminophen with n-acetylcysteine rescue as a novel STAT3 inhibitor with anti-cancer stem cell properties

NIH-funded research VA Veterans Administration Hospital · NIH-10948899

This study is looking at how a combination of high doses of acetaminophen and n-acetylcysteine might help shrink tumors in cancer patients by targeting a protein that helps cancer cells survive, and we're excited to see if this could lead to better treatment options for you!

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Veterans Administration Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-10948899 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of high doses of acetaminophen combined with n-acetylcysteine as a potential treatment for various types of cancer. The approach focuses on understanding how acetaminophen can inhibit a specific protein called STAT3, which is involved in cancer stem cell maintenance. By exploring this mechanism, the research aims to uncover new ways to shrink tumors and improve patient outcomes. Patients may be monitored for changes in tumor size and response to treatment during the study.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with various types of cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer, who have not responded to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those who are not eligible for high-dose acetaminophen treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for patients with cancer, particularly those with non-small cell lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary clinical trials have shown promise with high-dose acetaminophen in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although further validation is needed.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, 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.
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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.