Targeting a new protein to improve melanoma treatment
Official title: Integrative Targeted Therapy for Melanoma
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11060916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make melanoma treatments work better by focusing on a protein called eEF-2K, and it aims to help boost your immune system to fight the cancer more effectively, so patients might have the chance to try out this exciting new therapy in clinical trials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $608,620 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282254-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with melanoma who have not responded adequately to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of melanoma treatments by targeting a specific protein called eEF-2K. The study aims to understand how this protein influences the immune response against melanoma and to develop therapies that can better activate the body's immune system to fight the cancer. By integrating this new target with existing immunotherapies, the researchers hope to improve patient outcomes and combat the limitations of current treatments. Patients may be involved in trials that explore this innovative therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for melanoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar immune-modulatory proteins, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Jin-Ming — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Yang, Jin-Ming
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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.