Reducing skin cancer risks in veterans exposed to UV light
Official title: Acid Sphingomyelinase Inhibition to Mitigate the Environmental Exposure Risks of Ultraviolet Light-Induced Actinic Neoplasia and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in US Veterans
Funded at Dayton VA Medical Center · NIH-11051941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help veterans with a type of skin cancer caused by sun exposure by improving a common treatment called photodynamic therapy, so they can get better results and healthier skin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dayton VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dayton, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01CX002927-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are U.S. veterans who have been diagnosed with actinic keratosis or non-melanoma skin cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of UV light exposure or those without actinic neoplasia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on veterans who have high rates of actinic neoplasia, a type of skin cancer caused by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. The study aims to improve treatment outcomes for these veterans by inhibiting a specific enzyme called acid sphingomyelinase, which is linked to the immunosuppressive effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT). By blocking this enzyme, the researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness of PDT, a common treatment for precancerous skin lesions. The approach is based on previous findings that show how UV light and PDT can lead to harmful cellular changes in the skin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for skin cancer in veterans, potentially reducing the incidence of actinic neoplasia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using enzyme inhibitors to improve treatment outcomes in similar conditions, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Dayton VA Medical Center
Dayton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Travers, Jeffrey B. — Dayton VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Travers, Jeffrey B.
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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.