Preventing UV-driven skin cancer with a skin-targeted form of R-carvedilol
Official title: Preventing UV-induced immunosuppression and skin carcinogenesis with R-carvedilol
Funded at Western University of Health Sciences · NIH-11353903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at a cancer-prevention approach using a skin-targeted version of R-carvedilol to block UV-driven skin cancer without affecting heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Western University of Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pomona, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $322,538 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269653-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11353903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with high sun exposure risk or a history of UV damage who could later participate in related clinical testing or trials.
✕Less likely to help
People with no UV exposure risk or with skin conditions that contraindicate topical treatments may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a topical, skin-targeted form of R-carvedilol to prevent skin cancer caused by UV exposure. It explores whether this non-heart affecting form can stop UV-induced immune suppression and cancer development when applied to the skin, minimizing systemic effects. The work builds on evidence that carvedilol can help prevent skin cancer but may cause cardiovascular side effects, so the team investigates a targeted delivery method and the non-blocking enantiomer to keep safety high. Researchers will study delivery through skin nanotransfersomes and examine the biological signals involved, including calcium channels, to understand how protection happens. Results could lead to a safer, ease-to-use prevention option for people with high UV exposure risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safe, topical option to reduce UV-related skin cancer risk without impacting blood pressure or heart status.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest topical, skin-targeted delivery can prevent skin cancer in models, with ongoing exploration of non-blocking enantiomers.
Where this research is happening
-
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Ying — Western University of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Huang, Ying
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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.