Preventing Melanoma Spread by Targeting Lipid Weaknesses in Lymph
Official title: Preventing Melanoma Metastasis by Targeting Lipid Vulnerabilities in Lymph
Funded at Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11370103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to block early melanoma metastasis by disrupting how cancer cells use fats in the lymphatic system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $454,280 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282202-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with early-stage melanoma or those at high risk for metastasis may benefit from future therapies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
This early-stage research may not directly help patients with established metastatic disease.
What this research studies
This project looks at how melanoma cells survive in the lymph environment and how their lipid metabolism helps them spread. Researchers will map lipid changes in melanoma cells within lymph and test strategies to block these lipid pathways. The work could lead to new ways to prevent melanoma from moving to distant sites. Participants are not required for this stage, but findings could inform future patient-focused trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new approaches that prevent early melanoma metastasis and improve survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked lipid metabolism to cancer cell survival in circulation and initial metastasis steps; this project builds on that concept.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ubellacker, Jessalyn — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Ubellacker, Jessalyn
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Epigenetic regulators shaping melanoma cell diversity and spread
A study at NYU School of Medicine looks at how changes in gene regulation inside melanoma cells might drive varied cell states and help cancer spread.
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.