Personalized targeting of cell-death pathways to overcome drug resistance in melanoma
Official title: Personalized targeting of anti-apoptosis pathways to overcome therapeutic resistance in melanoma
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11397812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer research project aims to overcome treatment resistance in melanoma by targeting the proteins that keep tumor cells alive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2017 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $483,877 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA224070-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with melanoma, including BRAFV600-mutant and BRAF wild-type subtypes, who may benefit from later-stage therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers do not rely on anti-apoptosis pathways or who cannot tolerate targeted therapies may see little benefit.
What this research studies
This research focuses on melanoma, a serious skin cancer, and investigates why tumors stop responding to current therapies. By zeroing in on anti-apoptosis pathways, the study seeks to make cancer cells more likely to die when treated. Scientists will test personalized approaches in models that reflect different melanoma subtypes, with the goal of improving responses to existing drugs. If successful, these strategies could lead to more durable benefits for patients with resistant melanoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that help melanoma patients respond better and live longer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests targeting cell-death pathways can enhance tumor response in some melanomas, but results in acral and BRAF wild-type subtypes are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davies, Michael — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Davies, Michael
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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.