How genetic diversity in the immune system affects cancer risk
Official title: Immunogenetic determinants of cancer risk
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11097203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how differences in our immune system's genes might affect the chances of getting certain cancers, like lung cancer and melanoma, to help us understand how well our bodies can spot and fight off early cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $682,727 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283469-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of lung cancer or melanoma, as well as those with specific genetic markers related to HLA diversity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a genetic predisposition to cancer or those with cancers unrelated to the immune system's genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how variations in the immune system's genetic makeup can influence the risk of developing certain cancers, particularly lung cancer and melanoma. By examining the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) diversity, the study aims to understand how effectively the immune system can recognize and eliminate early cancer cells. The researchers will analyze data from large cohorts to explore the relationship between HLA diversity and cancer risk, focusing on the immune system's ability to detect tumor mutations. This approach may reveal new insights into cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for cancer prevention and personalized treatment based on an individual's genetic makeup.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that genetic factors, including HLA diversity, play a significant role in cancer risk, suggesting that this approach has the potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samstein, Robert M — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Samstein, Robert M
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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.