Targeting a specific pathway in uveal melanoma treatment
Official title: Targeting Gq pathway in uveal melanoma
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10916279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a common type of eye cancer called uveal melanoma, which can spread to the liver, and aims to find new ways to stop the cancer from growing and spreading by targeting a specific pathway in the cells, using advanced techniques to help improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $431,571 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA273020-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma, particularly those with advanced disease or metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of melanoma that do not involve the Gq pathway mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on uveal melanoma, the most common type of eye cancer, which often leads to severe outcomes due to its tendency to spread to the liver. The study aims to explore the Gq signaling pathway, which is frequently mutated in uveal melanoma, to develop new therapeutic strategies. By utilizing advanced techniques like CRISPR, the researchers will investigate how to effectively inhibit this pathway to prevent cancer cell growth and metastasis. The goal is to identify novel treatments that could improve survival rates for patients suffering from this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for uveal melanoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting the Gq pathway in uveal melanoma is a novel approach, similar strategies in other melanoma types have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xu — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting serotonin receptors to boost a cancer cell weakness in uveal melanoma
A small funding project tests whether blocking the serotonin HTR2B receptor can weaken mutant GNAQ/GNA11-driven uveal melanoma cells to help fight metastatic eye cancer.
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Dual mRNA therapeutics aimed at liver metastasis from uveal melanoma
A new approach uses two mRNA-based therapies designed to target liver metastases in adults with uveal melanoma.
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Improving treatment response in uveal melanoma by targeting Syk with new translational models
A Mayo Clinic team is exploring whether blocking the Syk protein can make uveal melanoma more responsive to PARP inhibitors in patients who have this eye cancer that often spreads.
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How uveal melanoma cells send signals that help them spread
This project follows adults with uveal melanoma and tracks signals in eye fluid and blood to find early signs that the cancer may be spreading.
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A safe, minimally invasive test to predict uveal melanoma metastasis risk from eye fluid
A new test using a sample from the eye’s aqueous fluid could predict if uveal melanoma is likely to spread, without needing a risky biopsy.
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Targeting stress defenses in eye melanoma that spreads to the liver
Researchers are working to weaken tumor cells' defenses against oxidative damage so liver metastases from uveal (eye) melanoma in adults become more vulnerable to treatment.
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.