Using small molecules to enhance a virus treatment for melanoma

Harnessing the potential of pharmacological small molecules to amplify VSV-based oncolytic viral therapy

['FUNDING_R15'] · SOUTHERN UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE · NIH-10876187

This study is looking at how certain small drugs can help a virus treatment work better for melanoma, a serious skin cancer, by making it easier for the virus to attack and kill cancer cells, which could lead to improved results for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R15']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSOUTHERN UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10876187 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how small pharmacological molecules can improve the effectiveness of a virus-based therapy for melanoma, a deadly skin cancer. The approach focuses on inhibiting specific cellular pathways that cancer cells use to survive, allowing the oncolytic virus to better infect and kill these cancer cells. By studying this in a mouse model, the researchers aim to understand how to enhance the virus's ability to spread within tumors and induce cancer cell death, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include patients diagnosed with malignant cutaneous melanoma who have limited treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those who have already received extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for melanoma, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using oncolytic viruses for cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be a viable option for melanoma therapy.

Where this research is happening

BATON ROUGE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancer Induction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.