Improving skin cancer prevention by studying UV-induced mutations
Official title: Advancing skin cancer prevention by tackling UV-induced clonogenic mutations
Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11013370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sunlight can change skin cells in ways that might lead to squamous cell skin cancer, and it's for anyone interested in better ways to prevent skin cancer by finding early signs of damage from the sun.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | February 3, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $640,336 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA255242-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of significant sun exposure or those at high risk for developing skin cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced skin cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun causes mutations in skin cells that can lead to squamous cell skin cancer (SCC). By identifying early mutations known as clonogenic mutations (CMs), which occur before cancer is clinically detectable, the study aims to develop better methods for evaluating the effectiveness of skin cancer prevention strategies. Using advanced genomic sequencing technology, researchers will quantify these mutations in skin samples to assess sun damage and the efficacy of preventative treatments. This approach could lead to more timely and effective skin cancer prevention methods for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing skin cancer, ultimately reducing the incidence of SCC among at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers to evaluate skin cancer risk, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Lei — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Wei, Lei
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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.