Mapping the early stages of skin cancer development
Official title: Pre-cancer atlas of skin cancer
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10995082 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how skin cancer, especially melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, develops over time by examining skin samples to see how skin cells change and how the immune system interacts with these changes before cancer starts, helping us understand the journey from early signs to full-blown cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,019,013 |
| NIH project number | 1U01CA294536-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995082 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of skin lesions or those at high risk for developing skin cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any skin lesions or are not at risk for skin cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a detailed atlas that tracks the early development of skin cancer, particularly focusing on melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. By utilizing skin samples, which are easily accessible, the study will analyze how skin cells accumulate mutations over time and how these changes relate to cancer progression. The research will also explore the role of the immune system in this process, particularly how it interacts with tumors before they become cancerous. Through various molecular assays, the project seeks to understand the transition from pre-cancerous lesions to full-blown cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for skin cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor evolution and immune interactions in other cancer types, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shain, Alan Hunter — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Shain, Alan Hunter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Solar-powered sun protection for outdoor workers
A short project to help outdoor workers prevent skin cancer by using a tailored, story-based video and workplace actions to increase sun protection.
-
Skin cancer immunotherapy: better vaccines and biomarkers to help melanoma patients
A Yale-led program tests new drug combinations and biomarker tests to help people with advanced melanoma live longer and better, especially by guiding which treatment works best for them.
-
CivaDerm: a new four-day skin cancer radiation bandage
A new four‑day radiation bandage for non-melanoma skin cancer aims to treat facial and other areas without multiple clinic visits or big scars.
-
MOSAIC II: MAP Wound Matrix to speed graft readiness after non-melanoma skin cancer surgery
A randomized trial tests a moldable wound scaffold (MAP Wound Matrix) to speed healing and time to graft-ready skin after head and neck cancer surgeries in adults.
-
PASS: A family-based approach to sun safety in schools
A parent-focused program delivered through schools aims to help families protect children from sun exposure and reduce skin cancer risk.
-
Precision skin cancer risk feedback in community clinics
A multisite study tests giving adults personalized genetic risk information to boost sun protection and skin checks in low-resource primary care settings.
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.