Finding new ways to treat melanoma that resists current therapies
Overcoming therapy resistance in melanoma
This study is looking for better ways to treat melanoma in patients with a specific gene mutation (BRAFV600E) who aren't responding well to current medications, by exploring new treatments that target a particular pathway in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11066497 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the challenge of drug resistance in melanoma, particularly in patients with the BRAFV600E mutation. It aims to explore new therapeutic interventions that can overcome the limitations of existing treatments, such as the BRAFV600E-specific inhibitor dabrafenib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib. The study will investigate the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and its inhibitors, particularly targeting PI3Kβ, to improve treatment outcomes for patients who have developed resistance. By understanding the mechanisms of resistance, the research seeks to develop more effective therapies for melanoma patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are melanoma patients with the BRAFV600E mutation who have experienced resistance to current therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with melanoma who do not have the BRAFV600E mutation or those who have not developed resistance to existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for melanoma patients who currently have limited options due to drug resistance.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been challenges in developing effective PI3K inhibitors, the exploration of PI3Kβ therapies represents a novel approach that has not yet been fully tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheng, Zhi — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Sheng, Zhi
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 below.