Blocking a single protein forces cancer cells to self

Published on : 22 Nov 2025, 2:38 am

WASHINGTON DC: Researchers uncovered a powerful weakness in lung cancer by shutting down a protein that helps tumours survive stress.

When this protein, FSP1, was blocked, lung tumours in mice shrank dramatically, with many cancer cells essentially triggering their own self-destruct mode. The work points to a fresh strategy for targeting stubborn lung cancers. Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified how a specific form of cell death linked to the buildup of highly reactive molecules can slow the growth of lung tumours.

This type of cell death, known as ferroptosis, originally evolved as a way for the body to clear out cells that become overly stressed.

Cancer cells fall into this category, yet over time, they have developed ways to blo