Creating a new test 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-11006367 · 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, making it easier for patients to get the information they need for their treatment.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $396,161 |
| NIH project number | 1R41CA291243-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with uveal melanoma who are at risk of developing metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with uveal melanoma who are not at risk of metastasis or those who have already experienced metastasis 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 part of the eye, to identify markers that indicate metastatic risk. By using a safe procedure called AH paracentesis, researchers aim to create a reliable test that can help guide treatment decisions and improve patient monitoring. This innovative approach seeks to enhance patient comfort and reduce healthcare costs while providing accurate prognostic information.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more comfortable and accurate way to predict the risk of uveal melanoma spreading, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches using proteomic analysis for cancer risk prediction have shown promise, indicating potential success for this novel method.
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
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting serotonin receptors to boost a cancer cell weakness in uveal melanoma
A small funding project tests whether blocking the serotonin HTR2B receptor can weaken mutant GNAQ/GNA11-driven uveal melanoma cells to help fight metastatic eye cancer.
-
Dual mRNA therapeutics aimed at liver metastasis from uveal melanoma
A new approach uses two mRNA-based therapies designed to target liver metastases in adults with uveal melanoma.
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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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Targeting stress defenses in eye melanoma that spreads to the liver
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.