Investigating immune cell behavior in melanoma and pregnancy for new cancer treatments
Official title: Comparing NK cell profiles within melanoma tumors and pregnancy: Implications for novel immunotherapies
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11035479 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells work in melanoma tumors and during pregnancy to help find better treatments for melanoma, aiming to discover signs that show which patients might respond well to specific cancer therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $217,863 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA297312-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035479 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are melanoma patients, particularly those with early-stage disease who are considering immune-checkpoint blockade therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced melanoma who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how natural killer (NK) cells function within melanoma tumors and during pregnancy to improve cancer immunotherapy. By comparing the immune responses in these two contexts, the study aims to identify biomarkers that can predict which melanoma patients are likely to benefit from immune-checkpoint blockade therapies. The approach involves analyzing tumor samples and understanding the mechanisms of immune evasion that cancer cells use, which may mirror processes seen in placentation. This could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for melanoma patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer immunotherapies for melanoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immune profiling to enhance cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norman, Paul John — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Norman, Paul John
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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.