Creating better models to understand how basal cell carcinoma responds to treatment

Developing Improved Models of Basal Cell Carcinoma to Evaluate Tumor-Drug Response

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10518702

This study is working on better ways to understand and treat basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer, by testing how tumors in mice respond to treatments, which could help find more effective options for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10518702 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the models used to study basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common cancer in North America. The team aims to develop techniques to biopsy BCC tumors in mice and analyze their response to existing treatments like vismodegib. By generating new cell lines from these tumors, they will evaluate how well these cells respond to different drugs, which could lead to better treatment options for patients. The goal is to overcome the limitations of current models that hinder the development of effective therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with locally advanced or inherited basal cell carcinoma who may require treatment with Hedgehog pathway inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients with non-malignant skin conditions or those without basal cell carcinoma may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with basal cell carcinoma, particularly those who do not respond well to current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing new models for cancer treatment, but this specific approach to basal cell carcinoma is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Conditions Basal Cell Nevus SyndromeGorlin SyndromeGorlin syndrome 2Gorlin-Goltz SyndromeNevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.