Understanding and targeting the genetic changes in uveal melanoma that lead to liver metastasis
Official title: Characterization and targeting of the epigenetic state underlying uveal melanoma liver metastasis
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-10894641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in genes and cells in uveal melanoma, a serious eye cancer, can lead to it spreading to the liver, and it hopes to find new treatments that could help high-risk patients manage this spread better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $618,592 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA256193-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with uveal melanoma, especially those classified as high-risk due to specific genetic mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low-risk uveal melanoma or those whose cancer has not metastasized may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on uveal melanoma, a serious eye cancer that can spread to the liver. It aims to identify the genetic and molecular changes that contribute to this spread, particularly in high-risk patients. By studying the role of specific mutations and cellular behaviors, the research seeks to uncover potential new treatments that could prevent or manage liver metastases. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies tailored to their specific cancer characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with uveal melanoma, particularly those at high risk for liver metastasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic factors of uveal melanoma, but this specific approach to targeting liver metastasis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smalley, Keiran — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Smalley, Keiran
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating how ASAP1 affects the spread of uveal melanoma
This study is looking at how a protein called ASAP1 affects the spread of uveal melanoma, a type of eye cancer, to find new ways to help prevent or treat it for patients.
-
Using small molecule drugs to improve CAR T cell therapy for Uveal Melanoma
This study is looking at a new way to make CAR T cell therapy work better for people with Uveal Melanoma, a rare eye cancer that can spread to the liver, by using special medicines to shrink tumors and boost the immune system's ability to fight them.
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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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This NIH grant studies how a chemical modification called palmitoylation influences how melanoma cells stick together and spread to the lungs, with potential to improve future treatments.
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Dual mRNA therapeutics aimed at liver metastasis from uveal melanoma
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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.