Using high doses of acetaminophen to target cancer stem cells
Official title: High dose acetaminophen with n-acetylcysteine rescue as a novel STAT3 inhibitor with anti-cancer stem cell properties
Funded at VA Veterans Administration Hospital · NIH-10948899 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Veterans Administration Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX004914-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948899 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those who are not eligible for high-dose acetaminophen treatment may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
VA Veterans Administration Hospital
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neuwelt, Alexander — VA Veterans Administration Hospital
- Study coordinator: Neuwelt, Alexander
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.