How healthy skin cells interact with potentially cancerous cells

Stem Cell Competition in Skin Homeostasis and Premalignancy

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY · NIH-11070886

This study looks at how healthy skin cells work together to keep our skin safe from cells that might turn into cancer, helping us find ways to catch and stop these risky cells before they can cause problems.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11070886 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the interactions between healthy skin cells and those that may have the potential to become cancerous. It focuses on a process called cell competition, where more fit cells eliminate less fit ones, which can help maintain healthy skin tissue. By studying these interactions in a model of skin development, the research aims to understand how cancerous cells can be identified and restrained before they lead to tumors. This could provide insights into early prevention strategies for skin cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with a family history of skin cancer or those at high risk for developing skin malignancies.

Not a fit: Patients with established skin cancer or those who do not have any risk factors for skin cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing skin cancer by enhancing our understanding of how to eliminate potentially harmful cells.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell competition in other contexts, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights in skin health and cancer prevention.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: cancer progenitor, cancer progenitor cells, cancer stem cell, Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.