Stopping melanoma from growing and spreading by targeting key cell switches
Official title: Targeting Rheostatic Mechanisms in Melanoma
Funded at Providence Health & Services - Oregon · NIH-11046041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests ways to block molecular switches that make melanoma grow and resist treatment, aiming to help people with aggressive or treatment‑resistant melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence Health & Services - Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Renton, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $388,875 |
| NIH project number | 4R37CA230630-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with melanoma driven by mutant BRAF (such as BRAFV600E), especially those with metastatic or treatment‑resistant disease, would be the most relevant candidates for future therapies from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose melanoma is driven by unrelated mutations or who have very early, easily curable melanoma may be less likely to benefit from ARF6‑targeted approaches.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a protein called ARF6 that helps melanoma cells move, survive, and resist drugs. They are examining how ARF6 affects the MAPK pathway and the amount of mutant BRAF protein that drives many melanomas. The work uses laboratory experiments and disease models to find points where combination therapies might block tumor growth and prevent early spread. The team aims to translate those findings into new treatment strategies for patients with hard‑to‑treat melanoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new combination therapies that stop metastasis and overcome drug resistance in melanoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: BRAF and MEK inhibitors have helped many patients but commonly face resistance, and targeting ARF6 is a newer, largely preclinical approach that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence Health & Services - Oregon
Renton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grossmann, Allie H. — Providence Health & Services - Oregon
- Study coordinator: Grossmann, Allie H.
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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.