Advancing melanoma and other skin cancer research

Developmental Research Program

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WISTAR INSTITUTE · NIH-11187268

This program funds new ideas and pilot projects to speed development of better treatments for people with melanoma and other skin cancers.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWISTAR INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11187268 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From a patient’s view, this program brings together scientists and doctors at The Wistar Institute and UPenn to launch new pilot projects focused on melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. It selects promising proposals, provides seed funding, and helps successful pilots grow into full translational projects. The program also supports junior and transitioning investigators to build expertise in skin cancer research. Leadership from experienced SPORE investigators coordinates institutional resources to move lab findings closer to patient-focused work.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with melanoma or other skin cancers who may be eligible for future clinical trials or who want to participate in translational research at Wistar/UPenn.

Not a fit: Patients without skin cancer or those seeking immediate personal treatment changes are unlikely to see direct benefit from this program itself because it mainly funds early-stage research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could speed up the discovery and early testing of new diagnostics or treatments for skin cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous DRP cycles produced high-impact papers, new external grants, and two pilot projects that graduated into full SPORE projects, showing prior success with this model.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancer Center, Cancer Center Director

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.