Understanding how melanoma evolves resistance to targeted therapies

Melanoma Resistance Evolution Atlas (MREA) for identifying combinatorial targets to prevent and reverse MAPKi resistance

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11045705

This study is looking at why some melanoma patients don’t respond well to certain treatments and aims to find better options for both those with the BRAFV600 mutation and those without, so that everyone can get more effective care based on their specific type of melanoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11045705 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind resistance to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma, particularly focusing on both BRAFV600 mutant and wildtype melanoma patients. By creating a comprehensive bank of patient-derived xenografts, the study aims to explore how different melanoma subtypes develop resistance to treatment. The approach includes analyzing the proteogenomic profiles of these subtypes to identify potential combinatorial therapies that could enhance treatment efficacy. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatment options tailored to their specific melanoma subtype.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with melanoma, particularly those with BRAFV600 mutant or wildtype subtypes.

Not a fit: Patients with melanoma who have already exhausted all treatment options or those with non-melanoma skin cancers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new combination therapies that effectively prevent or reverse resistance to melanoma treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding resistance mechanisms in melanoma, but this approach aims to provide a more comprehensive and novel perspective.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorderCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.