Investigating how skin cells contribute to the development of skin cancer.

The Role of Dermal Fibroblasts in Skin Cancer

NIH-funded research Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11105992

This study is looking at how skin cells get damaged and how that might help a common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, grow, especially in veterans, by exploring the role of certain cells in the skin that could be influencing this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11105992 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer, particularly in veterans. It aims to understand how DNA damage in skin cells activates signaling pathways in dermal fibroblasts, which may promote cancer development. By using advanced techniques such as live imaging and patient-derived models, the study will explore the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in BCC progression. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms by which these fibroblasts influence skin cancer behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of skin cancer, particularly veterans who are at higher risk for basal cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of skin cancer or those with other unrelated skin conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating basal cell carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting fibroblast signaling can impact cancer progression, suggesting potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Decatur, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.