Researchers have identified the Nrf2-HMOX1 pathway as a key mediator of cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This axis suppresses ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, thereby promoting tumor survival during chemotherapy. The study applied molecular biology techniques in both in vitro and in vivo NSCLC models, revealing that upregulation of HMOX1 by Nrf2 helps cancer cells evade death induced by cisplatin treatment, representing a promising target to overcome drug resistance in this common cancer type.