Combining targeted radiation therapy with immune treatments for melanoma
Official title: Combinations of Receptor-Targeted Alpha Radionuclide Therapy and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Melanoma Treatment
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11025900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat advanced melanoma, a serious skin cancer, by using a special therapy that targets a specific receptor in melanoma cells, hoping to make current treatments work better for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $557,992 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269221-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11025900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma who have not responded adequately to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who have not been diagnosed with melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating metastatic melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer, by combining receptor-targeted alpha radionuclide therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study focuses on a specific receptor, the melanocortine-1 receptor (MC1R), which is highly expressed in melanoma cells. By developing novel peptides that target this receptor, the research aims to improve imaging and treatment outcomes for patients. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies and potentially provide a new treatment option for those with advanced melanoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with metastatic melanoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches combining targeted therapies and immune treatments, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miao, Yubin — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Miao, Yubin
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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.