Monitoring treatment response in patients with advanced melanoma
Individualized monitoring of treatment response and resistance in patients with metastatic melanoma
This study is looking at a new blood test that can help people with metastatic melanoma see how well their treatments are working, making it easier and less invasive to track their progress without needing painful biopsies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10221639 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to effectively monitor treatment responses in patients with metastatic melanoma using a blood test that detects cancer mutations in cell-free plasma DNA (ctDNA). By analyzing blood samples from patients undergoing various treatments, the study aims to provide a less invasive method for tracking how well treatments are working and to identify when the disease is progressing. This approach could replace the need for more invasive tumor biopsies, making it easier for patients to receive timely adjustments to their treatment plans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma who are undergoing immunotherapy or molecularly targeted treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage melanoma or those not receiving systemic treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with metastatic melanoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in using ctDNA for monitoring treatment responses in other cancer types, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach in melanoma.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murtaza, Muhammed — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Murtaza, Muhammed
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.