How melanoma interacts with immune cells in bone
DISSECTING THE ROLE OF THE IMMUNE MICROENVIRONMENT IN MELANOMA BONE METASTASIS
['FUNDING_R21'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11261642
This project focuses on immune changes in bone when melanoma spreads, aiming to help people whose melanoma has reached their bones.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261642 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are using mouse models that mimic human melanoma that has spread to bone to learn what changes in the bone immune environment. They will compare bones with tumors to healthy bones to find which immune cells and signals are different. The team is especially studying reactive neutrophils (called BMANs) and proteases that may let melanoma survive and resist immunotherapy. The goal is to identify targets that could lead to better treatments for melanoma in bone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metastatic melanoma that has spread to their bones would be most likely to benefit from findings or to be eligible for related future clinical studies.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage melanoma or those without bone metastases are unlikely to see direct benefits from this preclinical project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to improve immune therapies or develop treatments that reduce bone complications in melanoma patients.
How similar studies have performed: Work in breast, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma has shown the bone microenvironment strongly affects metastasis, but applying these insights specifically to melanoma is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HERNANDO, EVA — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: HERNANDO, EVA
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.