Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
Official title: The genomic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10914884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can turn a harmless skin condition into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $389,263 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA265786-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or those with actinic keratoses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of skin cancers or those without any skin lesions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by analyzing the genetic mutations that drive its development. The team will collect and analyze genetic data from both cancerous lesions and their benign precursors, known as actinic keratoses, to understand how these mutations evolve over time. By sequencing the genomes of these lesions, the researchers aim to identify key mutations that contribute to the transition from benign to malignant states. This comprehensive approach will help in mapping the genetic landscape of this cancer and could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding genetic mutations in other cancers, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shain, Alan Hunter — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Shain, Alan Hunter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic map of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and its earliest genetic changes
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Genetic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
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Understanding Twist1 to Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer
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Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by comparing cancerous spots with their non-cancerous beginnings, to help find better ways to catch and treat this cancer early for patients like you.
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Investigating T cells that target specific cancer proteins in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain immune cells can help fight a common skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), using a mouse model to learn how to make treatments that boost the immune system even better for patients.
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.