Improving treatment options for melanoma with specific genetic mutations

Project 1: Strategies to enhance MEK inhibitor efficacy in MUTNRAS melanoma

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10878831

This study is looking at how combining two types of treatments—MEK inhibitors and immune therapies—can help people with NRAS-mutant melanoma, a tough kind of skin cancer that doesn't have many good treatment options right now.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10878831 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of MEK inhibitors for patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma, a type of skin cancer that currently lacks standard treatment options. The approach involves combining MEK inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade therapies to improve patient responses. Researchers will conduct trials to test these combinations in human subjects and explore the mechanisms behind treatment resistance. The goal is to develop new treatment strategies that can provide better outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced NRAS-mutant melanoma who have limited treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with melanoma that does not have NRAS mutations or those who are not advanced in their disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, effective treatment options for patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in combining targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.