Investigating a new pathway that helps melanoma spread

Functional analysis of a novelintegrin-dependent metastasis pathway in melanoma

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10988239

This study is looking at how melanoma, a serious skin cancer, spreads in the body, and it's for anyone affected by this disease; the goal is to find new ways to stop the cancer from spreading by understanding how the cancer cells move and interact with the immune system.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10988239 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how melanoma, a type of aggressive skin cancer, spreads throughout the body. It aims to identify specific pathways and mechanisms that allow melanoma cells to metastasize, which is a major cause of cancer-related deaths. By studying the behavior of these cancer cells and their interactions with the body's immune system, the researchers hope to develop new treatments that can effectively target and inhibit this metastatic process. The approach includes analyzing the expression of certain proteins that are involved in cell adhesion and migration.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma who are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage melanoma that has not spread may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically prevent melanoma from spreading, improving survival rates for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting metastatic pathways in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective for melanoma as well.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.