Understanding how melanoma spreads to the brain
Official title: Metabolic adaptations in melanoma brain metastasis
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11002724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a specific gene called CNDP1 helps melanoma spread to the brain, with the hope of finding new ways to treat patients who are facing this serious challenge.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $237,724 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA286244-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma who have developed brain metastases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with melanoma who do not have brain metastases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind melanoma brain metastasis (MBM), a severe complication of melanoma. By analyzing data from patient samples, the study focuses on a gene called CNDP1, which is found to be elevated in MBM. The researchers will explore how CNDP1 affects the ability of melanoma cells to survive and grow in the brain, using both laboratory and animal models. The goal is to identify new treatment targets that could improve outcomes for patients with this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically target melanoma brain metastasis, improving survival rates and quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hernando, Eva — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hernando, Eva
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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.