Helping patients with melanoma and autoimmune disease make treatment decisions
Official title: Improving decision-making in patients with resectable melanoma and pre-existing autoimmune disease considering immune checkpoint inhibition
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10819167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping patients with melanoma and autoimmune diseases make better treatment choices together with their doctors by creating a helpful tool that explains the options and risks of using immune therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 16, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $195,646 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA237619-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10819167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with resectable melanoma who also have a history of autoimmune disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without melanoma or those who do not have any autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the decision-making process for patients with resectable melanoma who also have pre-existing autoimmune diseases. It aims to develop a personalized shared decision-making tool that helps patients and healthcare providers discuss treatment options, particularly the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study recognizes the complexities involved in treating these patients due to the potential for increased adverse effects from immunotherapy. By facilitating better communication and understanding of risks and benefits, the research seeks to empower patients in their treatment choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more informed and personalized treatment decisions for patients with melanoma and autoimmune diseases, potentially improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using shared decision-making tools in oncology, indicating that this approach could be beneficial for similar patient populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez-Olivo, Maria de Los Angeles — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Lopez-Olivo, Maria de Los Angeles
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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.