How melanoma cells use the body's immune system to spread
How Circulating Melanoma Cells Usurp the Leukocyte Transmigration Mechanism for Successful Metastasis
This study is looking at how melanoma cells, a type of skin cancer, find ways to move from the bloodstream to other parts of the body to form new tumors, and it aims to discover new treatment options to stop this from happening.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10608160 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how melanoma cells, which are a type of skin cancer, manage to escape from the bloodstream and establish new tumors in other parts of the body. The study focuses on the mechanisms that allow these cancer cells to cross blood vessel barriers without causing damage, similar to how white blood cells move through the body. By understanding these processes, researchers aim to identify potential targets for therapies that could prevent metastasis, which is a major cause of cancer-related deaths. The approach involves examining the interactions between melanoma cells and the cells that line blood vessels, using advanced laboratory techniques.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma who may be at risk of metastasis.
Not a fit: Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those whose cancer has already metastasized may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the spread of melanoma, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding cancer cell behavior in relation to the immune system, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muller, William a — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Muller, William a
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.