Understanding genetic changes in skin cancer progression
Official title: PQ3 Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Integrating germline and somatic alterations that underlie tumor progression
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10836131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cancer can help us understand why it spreads and how to find better treatments, and we’re inviting patients to share their genetic samples and health information to help with this important research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 16, 2019 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $374,307 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA231264-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10836131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of skin cancer or those without a diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a common skin cancer, by analyzing genetic alterations that contribute to its progression and metastasis. The team will integrate data on both tumor mutations and genetic risk factors from patients to identify potential targets for new treatments. By studying a large cohort of cSCC cases, the research aims to fill gaps in knowledge that have hindered the development of effective therapies. Patients may be asked to provide genetic samples and clinical information to support this important work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that improve treatment outcomes for patients with cSCC.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research efforts, such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, have successfully identified genetic alterations in other cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for cSCC as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Asgari, Maryam Mandana — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Asgari, Maryam Mandana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic map of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and its earliest genetic changes
This project looks at the genes involved in a common skin cancer (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) to understand what mutations drive its growth and how it evolves from benign skin lesions.
-
Genetic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Researchers will look at DNA changes in skin squamous cell carcinoma and in nearby precursor lesions to find mutations that drive the cancer.
-
Understanding Twist1 to Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer
This work explores how a protein called Twist1 contributes to squamous cell skin cancer and aims to find new ways to stop or treat this disease.
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Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by comparing cancerous spots with their non-cancerous beginnings, to help find better ways to catch and treat this cancer early for patients like you.
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Exploring how epigenetic changes affect skin cancer development
This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect the development of skin cancer, especially in military personnel who are often exposed to the sun, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this common condition.
-
Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can turn a harmless skin condition into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat it.
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.