New treatment approach for melanoma using immune therapy
Official title: Neoadjuvant SEMA4D/ICB therapy for melanoma
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11108098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $709,554 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA300792-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11108098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with resectable metastatic melanoma who have not responded to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-resectable melanoma or those who have not been diagnosed with melanoma may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar immune therapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paulos, Chrystal Mary — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Paulos, Chrystal Mary
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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.