Investigating how B cells respond to Merkel cell carcinoma
Official title: Understanding B cell immunity in Merkel cell carcinoma
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10890976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called B cells can help fight Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer, especially in patients with advanced stages of the disease who are receiving immunotherapy, to find ways to improve treatment results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,203 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA284500-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with early-stage MCC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of B cells in the immune response to Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive skin cancer. The study aims to explore how B cells can recognize and attack MCC cells, particularly in patients who have advanced disease and respond to immunotherapy. By analyzing the immune system's function, especially the activity of B cells and their interactions with other immune cells, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could enhance treatment outcomes for patients with MCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding immune responses in similar cancers, suggesting potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schnabel, Julia — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Schnabel, Julia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Immunobiology and Immunotherapy for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
A team at the University of Washington is advancing how the immune system fights a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma and testing new immune-based treatments to help patients who don’t respond to existing therapies.
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New therapies for Merkel cell carcinoma and its immune environment
A cancer grant is testing a drug that may boost immune therapies and help patients with Merkel cell carcinoma who don’t respond to current treatments.
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Understanding how Merkel cell skin cancer develops
This research explores how a specific virus causes Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer.
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New treatments for Merkel cell carcinoma
This research looks for new ways to treat Merkel cell carcinoma, a serious skin cancer, especially for patients who don't respond to current therapies.
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Immune therapies for Merkel cell carcinoma
This project develops and tests new immune-based treatments to help people with Merkel cell carcinoma, especially those whose cancers no longer respond to PD‑1 drugs.
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Investigating a new treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma
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.
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.