Understanding how cell movement affects melanoma spread
Planar Cell Polarity Control in Melanoma Metastasis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WM S. MIDDLETON MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSP · NIH-11073102
This study is looking at how a specific pathway in our cells might help melanoma, a serious skin cancer that often affects military personnel, spread to other parts of the body, with the hope of finding new ways to slow down the cancer and improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WM S. MIDDLETON MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSP (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11073102 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway in the spread of melanoma, a serious skin cancer that disproportionately affects military personnel due to high sun exposure. The study aims to explore how this pathway influences the movement and invasion of melanoma cells, potentially leading to new strategies for preventing the cancer from metastasizing to other organs. By focusing on the mechanisms of cell migration, the research seeks to identify ways to slow down melanoma progression and improve outcomes for patients. The findings could provide insights into innovative treatment approaches that go beyond traditional methods of targeting tumor growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include U.S. military veterans who have been diagnosed with melanoma.
Not a fit: Patients with melanoma who are not veterans or those with early-stage melanoma that has not metastasized may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent melanoma from spreading, significantly improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the PCP pathway has been studied in other cancers, its specific role in melanoma is largely untested, making this research a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- WM S. MIDDLETON MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSP — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHANG, HAO — WM S. MIDDLETON MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSP
- Study coordinator: CHANG, HAO
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 below.