Creating 3D models of tumors to improve cancer treatments

Engineered microtumor arrays for development of combination therapies

NIH-funded research University of New South Wales · NIH-10911039

This study is looking at how to better treat malignant melanoma, a serious skin cancer, by creating realistic 3D models of tumors to see how they react to different treatments, with the goal of finding new ways to tackle tough-to-treat cancer cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of New South Wales NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Sydney, Australia)
Project IDNIH-10911039 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on malignant melanoma, a serious skin cancer, and aims to develop advanced 3D models of tumors to better understand how they respond to treatments. By studying the tumor microenvironment and how it influences cancer cells, researchers hope to identify new combination therapies that can effectively target drug-resistant cancer cells. The project utilizes engineered extracellular matrices to create realistic tumor models that mimic patient responses, allowing for more accurate testing of potential therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who do not have a diagnosis of melanoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with advanced melanoma.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using 3D tumor models for drug testing, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

Sydney, Australia

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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.