Understanding how aging affects skin cancer development from UV exposure
Official title: Mapping DNA Repair and Error-Prone DNA Synthesis in Geriatric Skin
Funded at Dayton VA Medical Center · NIH-10980526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the skin of veterans and why they might be more likely to develop certain skin cancers from sun exposure, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent and treat these cancers in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dayton VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dayton, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002241-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly veterans, who are at risk for non-melanoma skin cancers due to age and UV exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and have no history of UV exposure or skin cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging and the development of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) in older adults, particularly veterans. It focuses on how ultraviolet B (UVB) light exposure leads to DNA damage in skin cells and how the aging process alters the skin's ability to repair this damage. By examining the unique properties of geriatric skin and the role of specific growth factors, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to increased cancer risk in older populations. The findings could help develop better prevention and treatment strategies for skin cancer in aging individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for skin cancer in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of aging on skin cancer development, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Dayton VA Medical Center
Dayton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kemp, Michael George — Dayton VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kemp, Michael George
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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.