NIH-funded research Career grant

Using advanced AI to predict melanoma recurrence by analyzing imaging and genetic data.

Official title: Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Melanoma Recurrence Prediction via Integrative Modeling of Multiplexed Imaging with Transcriptomics and Histopathology

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11032046 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking to help people with early-stage melanoma by using advanced imaging and genetic information to better predict if their cancer might come back, so they can receive more personalized care and monitoring based on their specific risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startFebruary 9, 2024
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$176,040
NIH project number5K99CA286966-02
Project IDNIH-11032046 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage (stage I/II) melanoma.

Less likely to help

Patients with advanced-stage melanoma or those who have already experienced recurrence may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to improve the prediction of melanoma recurrence in patients with early-stage melanoma by integrating advanced imaging techniques and genetic information. By utilizing multiplexed tissue imaging and spatial transcriptomics, the study will analyze the interactions and characteristics of cells in the melanoma microenvironment. The goal is to develop machine-learning models that can accurately identify patients at high risk for recurrence, enabling personalized treatment and better surveillance strategies. Patients may benefit from more tailored monitoring and interventions based on their individual risk profiles.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate predictions of melanoma recurrence, allowing for personalized treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using AI and multi-modal data to improve cancer prognostics, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wan, Guihong — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Wan, Guihong

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.