How nerve-support cells (Schwann cells) affect melanoma growth and spread
The Role of Schwann Cells in the Progression of Melanoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11252812
This work looks at whether Schwann cells — the nerve-support cells around tumors — help melanoma grow and spread, with the goal of helping people with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11252812 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine human melanoma tissue to see where Schwann cells are located and how common they are in tumors. They will use laboratory models, including mouse melanoma models, to see whether Schwann cells speed tumor growth and metastasis. The team will study how Schwann cells interact with blood vessels, immune cells, and other parts of the tumor environment to drive these effects. Findings may point to biological steps that could be blocked to slow melanoma progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for sample donation or clinical follow-up would be people diagnosed with melanoma, especially those undergoing surgery or treatment at participating centers.
Not a fit: People with cancers other than melanoma or those needing immediate clinical care decisions are unlikely to directly benefit from this lab-focused research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new treatment targets to slow melanoma growth and reduce metastasis for people with melanoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that nerves can promote tumor growth, but the specific role of Schwann cells in melanoma is a relatively new and less-tested area.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BUNIMOVICH, YURI — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: BUNIMOVICH, YURI
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Cancer Model, Cancer Treatment, CancerModel, Cancers