How the skin environment affects tumor spread and treatment response in acral melanoma
Official title: Effect of the plantar skin microenvironment on tumor metastasis and drug tolerance
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10857995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the special skin on the soles of your feet and palms affects the behavior of acral melanoma, a type of skin cancer, to find better treatments for patients with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $426,082 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA289514-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10857995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced acral melanoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of melanoma or those at earlier stages of acral melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the unique characteristics of the plantar skin, where acral melanoma commonly develops, influence tumor behavior and treatment responses. It aims to understand the mechanical properties of this skin type and how they affect cancer cell metabolism and drug tolerance. By studying the differences between acral melanoma and cutaneous melanoma, the research seeks to identify tailored therapies that could improve outcomes for patients with advanced acral melanoma. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and animal models to track changes in cancer cell behavior in response to the skin environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments specifically designed for patients with acral melanoma.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on melanoma treatment, this specific focus on the plantar skin microenvironment is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rebecca, Vito William — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Rebecca, Vito William
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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.