Investigating genetic markers in stage II melanoma to predict patient outcomes
Official title: TERT epigenetic and genomic variants in stage II melanoma as biomarkers of outcome
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10767943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the genes and other markers in patients with stage II melanoma to help doctors better predict how likely the cancer is to come back, so they can choose the best treatment options, like immunotherapy, for each person.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $188,198 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA277480-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10767943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with stage II melanoma who are at risk of tumor recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metastatic melanoma or those diagnosed with stage I melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying specific genetic and epigenetic markers in patients with stage II melanoma to improve prognostic accuracy. Currently, the staging system relies on tumor thickness and ulceration, which do not provide reliable predictions for recurrence. By analyzing these markers, the study aims to develop better tools for selecting patients who may benefit from immunotherapy, potentially leading to more personalized treatment plans. The approach includes sampling tumor-derived data and validating the findings against clinical outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate predictions of melanoma recurrence, allowing for better-targeted immunotherapy treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using molecular pathology tests for other cancers, suggesting potential success for similar approaches in melanoma.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Polsky, David — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Polsky, David
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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.