Genomic map of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and its earliest genetic changes
Official title: The genomic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11398277 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at the genes involved in a common skin cancer (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) to understand what mutations drive its growth and how it evolves from benign skin lesions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $409,780 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA265786-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398277 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and individuals with actinic keratosis or related precursor lesions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without skin cancer or those without available tissue samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze large sets of sequencing data from skin cancers and related precancerous lesions to identify key driver mutations. They will compare tumors to matched precursor lesions to pinpoint changes that push a benign state toward cancer. The study will sequence both tumors and the neighboring remnant lesions to map the earliest genetic alterations. Findings could reveal targets for earlier diagnosis and new treatment approaches. The work uses patient-derived tumor samples and publicly available data to build a comprehensive genomic landscape of this cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A clearer map of genetic changes could lead to earlier detection and more targeted therapies for skin cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds on extensive cancer genomics work and aims to be the largest analysis of its kind for this cancer, with precedent in successful mutation mapping studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shain, Alan Hunter — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Shain, Alan Hunter
Related research
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Genetic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
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This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can turn a harmless skin condition into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat it.
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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.