Understanding how immune responses affect skin cancer development
Official title: Immunoediting in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10880258 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system responds to skin cancer in people who have had organ transplants and are more likely to get this type of cancer, to find out how the cancer hides from the immune system and discover new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,877 |
| NIH project number | 5F30CA281056-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880258 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include immunosuppressed individuals, such as organ transplant recipients, who are at high risk for developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are immunocompetent and do not have a history of skin cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system interacts with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), particularly in immunosuppressed transplant recipients who are at a significantly higher risk for this type of skin cancer. The study aims to compare the immune responses and tumor characteristics between immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals, focusing on how tumors evade immune detection. By analyzing the neoantigen profiles in skin and tumors, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms of immune escape and potentially identify new therapeutic targets. This could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients at high risk of cSCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those who are immunosuppressed.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borden, Elizabeth — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Borden, Elizabeth
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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.