Methylation test to predict melanoma recurrence after surgery
Official title: Analytical and Clinical Validation of an EPIC 900K v2 array-based methylation assay to predict recurrence in stage II melanoma
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11311446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing test uses a DNA methylation pattern to help doctors predict if stage II melanoma might come back after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 3, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $387,731 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3CA290587-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with stage II, node-negative melanoma who have undergone surgical resection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with different melanoma subtypes or those not undergoing or needing adjuvant therapy decisions may not benefit from this assay.
What this research studies
This project aims to validate a methylation-based test that analyzes tumor samples to forecast recurrence risk in people with stage II melanoma who have had tumor removal. It focuses on translating a complex genomic assay into a clinically useful tool that can guide adjuvant treatment decisions. The study builds on prior findings that specific DNA methylation patterns relate to outcomes, and it seeks robust, clinically valid results using the EPIC 900K beadchip platform.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could help doctors tailor follow-up and treatment plans to those most at risk of recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests methylation patterns can be linked to melanoma outcomes, but clinical validation is ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Polsky, David — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Polsky, David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI to predict melanoma coming back using tumor images, gene data, and pathology
This project is building an AI tool that uses detailed tumor pictures, gene activity, and pathology reports to help doctors predict whether early-stage (stage I or II) melanoma might return.
-
Dormant melanoma cells and aging: how the tissue environment shapes recurrence
This NIH grant studies how aging tissue environments influence melanoma dormancy and late recurrences, with a focus on how aged lung fibroblasts and Wnt signaling affect cancer cell reawakening.
-
A new test to predict melanoma recurrence using DNA analysis
This study is looking to create a new test that checks DNA markers in patients with stage II melanoma to better predict if their cancer might come back, helping doctors decide who might need extra treatment and who can avoid unnecessary ones.
-
Using advanced AI to predict melanoma recurrence by analyzing imaging and genetic data.
This study is looking to help people with early-stage melanoma by using advanced imaging and genetic information to better predict if their cancer might come back, so they can receive more personalized care and monitoring based on their specific risk.
-
Keloid recurrence study using multi-omics in diverse patients
A research effort will look at why keloids come back after surgery, especially in African American patients, using comprehensive molecular data from patient samples.
-
Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence
A research project aims to use imaging and RNA data to better predict if head and neck cancer will come back, helping doctors tailor treatments for patients.
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.