How Schwann cells affect melanoma growth and spread
Official title: The Role of Schwann Cells in the Progression of Melanoma
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11004361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the nervous system, called Schwann cells, might affect the growth and spread of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find new ways to treat it for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $398,860 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266529-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with melanoma who are interested in understanding the biological mechanisms of their disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those who have not been diagnosed with any form of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Schwann cells, a type of glial cell in the peripheral nervous system, in the progression of melanoma, a serious skin cancer. By examining how these cells interact with tumor cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that may contribute to cancer growth and metastasis. The research involves both clinical samples from melanoma patients and experimental models to understand the influence of Schwann cells on tumor behavior. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that inhibit melanoma progression by targeting Schwann cells.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of Schwann cells in cancer is an emerging field, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the tumor microenvironment, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bunimovich, Yuri — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Bunimovich, Yuri
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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.