New treatments for melanoma and skin cancer
Official title: Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program SPORE
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10926821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new and better ways to treat melanoma and skin cancer for patients who haven't had success with current treatments, including trying out a special device that delivers chemotherapy through tiny needles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,121,665 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA254865-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10926821 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are patients with advanced melanoma or cSCC who have not previously received immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage melanoma or cSCC who are not eligible for clinical trials may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative therapies for melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which are among the most common cancers in the U.S. The program aims to create new combinatorial immunotherapy trials that could improve treatment outcomes for patients who have not responded to existing therapies. It includes evaluating the effectiveness of new drugs and treatment methods, such as a microneedle device for delivering chemotherapy. Patients will be involved in clinical trials that assess the safety and efficacy of these novel approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for patients with melanoma and skin cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using combinatorial immunotherapy approaches for melanoma, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zarour, Hassane M — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zarour, Hassane M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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CivaDerm: a new four-day skin cancer radiation bandage
A new four‑day radiation bandage for non-melanoma skin cancer aims to treat facial and other areas without multiple clinic visits or big scars.
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MOSAIC II: MAP Wound Matrix to speed graft readiness after non-melanoma skin cancer surgery
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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Low-energy skin radiation patches for treating non-melanoma skin cancer
A patient-friendly device idea uses a patch to deliver a tiny amount of radiation right at the skin to treat non-melanoma skin cancer in as few visits.
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Safer medicines to prevent basal and squamous (non‑melanoma) skin cancer
Researchers are developing new, non‑toxic oral rexinoid medicines aimed at preventing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, especially for people with weakened immune systems like organ transplant recipients.
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Advancing Treatments for Melanoma and Skin Cancer
This program is looking for new and better ways to treat melanoma and other skin cancers, especially when current treatments aren't enough.
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Creating safe drugs to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer
This study is working on new medications to help prevent skin cancer in people with weakened immune systems, like those who have had organ transplants, by creating safer and more effective options that don’t have the usual side effects of current treatments.
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.