Understanding how melanoma spreads to the liver and resists immunotherapy
Mechanisms of liver metastasis and associated resistance to immunotherapy
This study is looking at how melanoma spreads to the liver and why some treatments don’t work as well in those cases, using a special mouse model to find out more about the genes involved, which could help improve treatment options for patients with liver metastases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11043235 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind melanoma's spread to the liver and how this affects the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments. By using a novel mouse model that mimics human liver metastasis, researchers aim to identify the genetic factors that contribute to this spread and the resistance to treatment. The study employs advanced techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9 screening, to explore these mechanisms in detail, which could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for patients with liver metastases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma that has metastasized to the liver.
Not a fit: Patients with melanoma that has not spread to the liver or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for melanoma patients whose cancer has spread to the liver.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cancer metastasis and treatment resistance, but this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Izar, Benjamin — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Izar, Benjamin
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 below.