Finding new ways to improve immunotherapy for melanoma patients
Official title: A novel pathway to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10976865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make immunotherapy work better for melanoma patients who haven't responded well or have come back after treatment by focusing on a protein called ULK1, which helps control the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $366,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285876-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are melanoma patients who have experienced resistance to immunotherapy or have relapsed after initial treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who have not undergone immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in melanoma patients who either do not respond to treatment or relapse after initial success. The team focuses on a specific protein, ULK1, which plays a role in regulating immune responses. By inhibiting ULK1, they aim to reduce the expression of genes that suppress the immune system while maintaining those that stimulate it, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes. The research involves both laboratory experiments and studies in melanoma models to validate their findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy responses for melanoma patients, increasing survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways to enhance immunotherapy, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nora Vaz Saleiro, Diana — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Nora Vaz Saleiro, Diana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Overcoming Melanoma Treatment Resistance with a Special IL-18 Approach
A Yale-led project tests a special engineered IL-18 immune signal to help melanoma patients who don’t fully respond to current therapies.
-
Prebiotic diet to boost gut health and improve immunotherapy response in melanoma
A diet-based approach using prebiotic foods and nutrition counseling is studied alongside standard immunotherapy to help melanoma patients respond better and reduce side effects.
-
New approach to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma
A new strategy targets a key pathway in melanoma to boost the effectiveness of immune-based therapies for patients whose cancer resists treatment.
-
Multivalent circular mRNA vaccines for melanoma immunotherapy
A cancer vaccine approach using tiny circular mRNA vaccines aimed at boosting immune responses against melanoma in combination with existing immunotherapies.
-
Lymph Node–Targeted Co-delivery for Melanoma Immunotherapy
Aimed at improving melanoma treatment, this project tests a targeted vaccine approach that helps the body’s immune system better attack skin cancer.
-
Multifunctional nanoparticles to boost melanoma immunotherapy
A new nanoparticle approach using ultrasound-triggered systems aims to make melanoma immunotherapy work better for patients who don’t respond well to current treatments.
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.