Melanoma (skin cancer) research program
Official title: SPORE in Skin Cancer
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11187247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program looks at a blood test and a new drug combination to help people with high-risk or treatment-resistant melanoma get the right immunotherapy with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,351,294 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA261608-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with high-risk melanoma starting immunotherapy or patients whose melanoma has progressed after anti–PD-1 treatment.
✕Less likely to help
People without melanoma, those with early-stage disease not receiving immunotherapy, or patients ineligible for clinical trials are unlikely to benefit directly from this program.
What this research studies
This collaboration between Wistar and UPenn focuses on melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. One project measures tumor-derived exosomal PD-L1 in blood to help decide who can safely receive single-agent anti–PD-1 immunotherapy versus who needs combination treatment. A second project runs a clinical trial combining anti–PD-1 therapy with an autophagy inhibitor to try to help patients whose tumors stopped responding to PD-1 drugs. Participation would involve blood draws and, for eligible patients, enrollment in the clinical trial at participating centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could spare many patients unnecessary toxic combination therapy and offer a new option for people whose melanoma no longer responds to PD-1 drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Immune checkpoint drugs have transformed melanoma care, but blood-based exosomal PD-L1 as a predictive marker and combining PD-1 blockers with autophagy inhibitors are promising approaches that remain under clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herlyn, Meenhard F — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Herlyn, Meenhard F
Related research
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Solar-powered sun protection for outdoor workers
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Skin cancer immunotherapy: better vaccines and biomarkers to help melanoma patients
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CivaDerm: a new four-day skin cancer radiation bandage
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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.
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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.
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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.