Understanding how melanoma cells die and resist treatment
Official title: Mechanisms of cell death in cutaneous melanoma
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11099865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some people with skin cancer respond better to treatments than others, and how to make those treatments work better with fewer side effects, so that patients can have a better experience and outcome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $477,822 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA256945-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with advanced cutaneous melanoma who are undergoing or considering treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who do not have melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind cell death in cutaneous melanoma, a type of skin cancer that is becoming more common. The team is focused on understanding why some patients respond well to existing treatments while others do not, and how to reduce the side effects associated with these therapies. By studying the immune response triggered by tumors and the processes that lead to cell death, the researchers aim to develop new treatment combinations that can improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The findings could lead to innovative therapies that enhance the effectiveness of current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatment options for patients with melanoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tumor immunogenicity and its role in treatment response, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aplin, Andrew Eric — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Aplin, Andrew Eric
Related research
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LNS8801: a new cancer drug to help advanced melanoma patients who can’t tolerate immunotherapy
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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.