Understanding skin cancer risks in patients with actinic keratosis
Official title: Skin Cancer Risks and Risk Prediction in Patients with Actinic Keratosis
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11049026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having actinic keratosis, which are rough patches on the skin from too much sun, might increase the chances of developing skin cancer, and it aims to help doctors better identify and care for patients at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 18, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $260,187 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA263298-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with actinic keratosis who are at risk for developing skin cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without actinic keratosis or those who have not had chronic sun exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the risks of skin cancer in patients who have actinic keratosis (AK), which are pre-cancerous skin lesions caused by chronic sun exposure. The study aims to determine the overall risk of developing various types of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, in these patients. It will also assess the current care practices for AK patients and develop a predictive model to better identify those at higher risk for skin cancer. By addressing these gaps, the research seeks to improve clinical guidelines for monitoring and early detection of skin cancer in individuals with AK.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and prevention strategies for skin cancer in patients with actinic keratosis.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on individual AKs, this approach to developing a comprehensive risk prediction model for skin cancer in AK patients is novel and has not been previously tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wehner, Mackenzie Rachel — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wehner, Mackenzie Rachel
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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.