MC1R-targeting peptide approach for metastatic melanoma
Novel Receptor-Targeting Peptides for Melanoma Therapy
This work makes small peptides that stick to a protein on most melanoma cells (MC1R) to carry radioactive agents for clearer imaging and targeted radiotherapy of metastatic melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327824 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating small peptide molecules that seek out the MC1R protein, which is found on most metastatic melanoma cells, and attach radioactive labels for both imaging and treatment. They plan to use a paired approach with 203Pb for imaging and 212Pb for therapy so scans can guide targeted radiation delivery. Special linkers (hydrocarbon and PEG) will be tested to help the peptides get into tumors and clear from healthy tissues. Earlier first-in-human imaging with a related peptide showed good tumor visualization, and this work aims to build on that toward imaging-guided treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metastatic melanoma whose tumors express the MC1R target and who are eligible for radiopharmaceutical procedures would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack MC1R expression, who have disease too widespread for localized radiopharmaceutical therapy, or who cannot tolerate radioactive treatments may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give clearer tumor scans and deliver focused radioactive therapy to melanoma cells while reducing damage to normal tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Related CycMSHhex peptide imaging showed promising first-in-human tumor visualization, but using matched-pair therapeutic radionuclides is a newer approach still under study.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miao, Yubin — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Miao, Yubin
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 below.