Using an antiviral drug to enhance cancer treatment for melanoma
Official title: Novel Strategy to Augmenting Immunotherapy against Melanoma
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11045672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the antiviral drug nelfinavir might help boost the immune system's response to melanoma when combined with a special treatment called adoptive cell transfer, and melanoma patients may have a chance to join this exciting research to improve their therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $212,993 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA285253-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045672 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma who may benefit from enhanced immunotherapy options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those who are not eligible for ACT therapy may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of nelfinavir, an antiviral medication, to improve the effectiveness of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapy for melanoma patients. The study aims to understand how nelfinavir can enhance the immune response against melanoma by targeting specific cellular mechanisms that affect T cell activity. By focusing on the role of a particular kinase involved in T cell function, the research seeks to develop a more effective treatment strategy for this aggressive form of skin cancer. Patients may have the opportunity to participate in trials that explore this innovative approach to immunotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for melanoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using antiviral agents to enhance immunotherapy, suggesting that this approach could be a viable strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Jin-Ming — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Yang, Jin-Ming
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Overcoming Melanoma Treatment Resistance with a Special IL-18 Approach
A Yale-led project tests a special engineered IL-18 immune signal to help melanoma patients who don’t fully respond to current therapies.
-
Prebiotic diet to boost gut health and improve immunotherapy response in melanoma
A diet-based approach using prebiotic foods and nutrition counseling is studied alongside standard immunotherapy to help melanoma patients respond better and reduce side effects.
-
New approach to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma
A new strategy targets a key pathway in melanoma to boost the effectiveness of immune-based therapies for patients whose cancer resists treatment.
-
Multivalent circular mRNA vaccines for melanoma immunotherapy
A cancer vaccine approach using tiny circular mRNA vaccines aimed at boosting immune responses against melanoma in combination with existing immunotherapies.
-
Lymph Node–Targeted Co-delivery for Melanoma Immunotherapy
Aimed at improving melanoma treatment, this project tests a targeted vaccine approach that helps the body’s immune system better attack skin cancer.
-
Multifunctional nanoparticles to boost melanoma immunotherapy
A new nanoparticle approach using ultrasound-triggered systems aims to make melanoma immunotherapy work better for patients who don’t respond well to current treatments.
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.