A new test using eye fluid to predict the risk of uveal melanoma spreading
Official title: Development of a Novel Aqueous Humor-Based Multiplex Assay for Uveal Melanoma Metastatic Risk Prediction
Funded at Olmeda Biosciences LLC · NIH-11264264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a gentler way to check if uveal melanoma, a type of eye cancer, might spread by testing proteins in the eye's fluid instead of using painful needle biopsies, helping doctors make better treatment choices while keeping patients safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Olmeda Biosciences LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $55,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R41CA291243-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11264264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma who are at risk of developing metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without a diagnosis of uveal melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a less invasive method to predict the risk of metastasis in patients with uveal melanoma, a type of eye cancer. Instead of relying on painful needle biopsies, the study will analyze proteins found in the aqueous humor, the fluid in the front chamber of the eye. By using a safe procedure called AH paracentesis, researchers aim to identify specific protein markers that can indicate the likelihood of cancer spreading. This innovative approach seeks to enhance patient safety and improve treatment decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more accurate way to predict metastatic risk in uveal melanoma patients, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using aqueous humor for cancer risk prediction is innovative, similar proteomic analyses have shown promise in other cancer types, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Olmeda Biosciences LLC
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Liya — Olmeda Biosciences LLC
- Study coordinator: Xu, Liya
Related research
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-
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Improving treatment response in uveal melanoma by targeting Syk with new translational models
A Mayo Clinic team is exploring whether blocking the Syk protein can make uveal melanoma more responsive to PARP inhibitors in patients who have this eye cancer that often spreads.
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How uveal melanoma cells send signals that help them spread
This project follows adults with uveal melanoma and tracks signals in eye fluid and blood to find early signs that the cancer may be spreading.
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A safe, minimally invasive test to predict uveal melanoma metastasis risk from eye fluid
A new test using a sample from the eye’s aqueous fluid could predict if uveal melanoma is likely to spread, without needing a risky biopsy.
-
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Researchers are working to weaken tumor cells' defenses against oxidative damage so liver metastases from uveal (eye) melanoma in adults become more vulnerable to treatment.
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.