Investigating a new treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma
Official title: Unravel the role of CD276 and determine efficacy of CD276-targeted therapy on Merkel cell carcinoma progression and metastasis
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11044103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma, especially in older Veterans, to see how a specific protein affects the cancer and to test a new treatment that could help those who can't use current therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Long Beach, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002497-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly Caucasian males aged 65 and older, who have been diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Merkel cell carcinoma or those who do not meet the age and demographic criteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a serious skin cancer that primarily affects older Caucasian males, particularly Veterans. The study aims to understand the role of a specific protein, CD276, in the progression of MCC and to evaluate the effectiveness of a new targeted therapy designed to combat this cancer. By collaborating with VA Medical Centers, the research will analyze patient data and test a novel antibody-drug conjugate that has shown promise in preclinical models. The goal is to find better treatment options for patients who cannot use existing immunotherapies due to other health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting CD276 in other cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel approach for Merkel cell carcinoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Long Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Ling — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Gao, Ling
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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.