How immunosuppression and environmental factors affect skin cancer risk in organ transplant patients
The role of immunosuppression and environmental exposures on incident and subsequent keratinocyte carcinoma risk after solid organ transplant
This study is looking at why people who have had organ transplants are more likely to get certain skin cancers, like basal cell and squamous cell cancers, and it aims to find ways to better screen and manage these risks for those patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132052 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the increased risk of keratinocyte carcinomas, including basal cell and squamous cell cancers, in patients who have received solid organ transplants. It focuses on understanding how immunosuppression and environmental exposures, particularly ultraviolet rays, contribute to the development and recurrence of these skin cancers. The study aims to identify key factors that influence cancer risk in this vulnerable population, ultimately seeking to improve screening and management strategies tailored to their needs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have received solid organ transplants and are at increased risk for keratinocyte carcinomas.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone solid organ transplantation or do not have a history of skin cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better screening and management strategies for skin cancer in organ transplant recipients, potentially reducing cancer incidence and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that immunosuppressed patients are at higher risk for skin cancers, but this specific approach to understanding the interplay of immunosuppression and environmental factors in transplant recipients is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bittermann, Therese — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bittermann, Therese
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.