Understanding how melanoma spreads to bones and affects the immune system

DISSECTING THE ROLE OF THE IMMUNE MICROENVIRONMENT IN MELANOMA BONE METASTASIS

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11043540

This study is looking at how melanoma cells spread into bones and change the immune system there, which can cause problems like pain and fractures, and it's designed for people with melanoma to help understand how these changes happen in their bones.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11043540 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which melanoma cells infiltrate bone tissue and alter the immune environment, which can lead to complications such as fractures and pain. Using advanced preclinical models that mimic human bone metastasis, the study aims to identify how melanoma interacts with immune cells in the bone microenvironment. By comparing affected bones to healthy ones, researchers hope to uncover specific immune responses and cellular changes that contribute to the severity of bone metastasis in melanoma patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are melanoma patients who have developed bone metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients without melanoma or those whose cancer has not metastasized to the bone are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for melanoma patients with bone metastasis, enhancing their quality of life and treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in other cancers has shown that understanding the bone microenvironment can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.