Identifying a new marker for early diagnosis of a skin cancer called mycosis fungoides
Official title: Develop IL13Ra1 for diagnosis of early-stage mycosis fungoides
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11009055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific marker in the skin cells of people with early-stage mycosis fungoides, a type of skin cancer, to help doctors find it more easily and provide better treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 8, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $168,516 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280445-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with suspected early-stage mycosis fungoides or those experiencing unexplained skin lesions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced-stage mycosis fungoides or other forms of skin cancer may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on mycosis fungoides (MF), a type of skin cancer that is challenging to diagnose in its early stages. The study aims to investigate the expression of a specific receptor, IL-13Ra1, on malignant T cells found in early-stage MF skin lesions. By analyzing the correlation between IL-13Ra1 expression and the presence of cancerous T cells, the researchers hope to establish a reliable biomarker for early diagnosis. This could lead to more accurate and timely treatment for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of mycosis fungoides, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for other types of cancers, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for mycosis fungoides as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fuschiotti, Patrizia — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Fuschiotti, Patrizia
Related research
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Understanding how skin cancer-associated fibroblasts affect immune detection in early mycosis fungoides
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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.