New treatment approach for melanoma using immune therapy

Neoadjuvant SEMA4D/ICB therapy for melanoma

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11108098

This study is testing a new treatment that combines a special antibody with current immune therapies to help boost the body's fight against advanced melanoma before surgery, and it's designed for patients looking for more effective options to tackle their cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11108098 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel neoadjuvant therapy that combines an antibody called pepinemab with existing immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with advanced melanoma. The therapy aims to enhance the immune response against tumors by blocking a specific signaling pathway, which may improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Patients will receive this therapy before surgery, allowing researchers to observe its impact on the immune system and tumor response. The study focuses on understanding how this combination therapy influences immune cell activity and tumor dynamics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with resectable metastatic melanoma who have not responded to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with non-resectable melanoma or those who have not been diagnosed with melanoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for melanoma patients by enhancing their immune response against tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar immune therapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel treatment.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.