Using therapies that induce and eliminate senescent cells to enhance melanoma treatment

Combining senescence-inducing and senolytic agents to improve melanoma therapy

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11052517

This study is exploring a new way to help people with advanced melanoma by using a combination of treatments that make cancer cells easier for the immune system to spot and attack, especially for those whose tumors haven't responded well to other therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11052517 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to improve melanoma therapy by combining senescence-inducing agents with senolytic agents. The goal is to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack melanoma cells, particularly in patients whose tumors are resistant to current treatments. By inducing cellular senescence, the therapy aims to increase inflammation and attract immune cells to the tumor site, while simultaneously targeting the senescent cells that may inhibit immune responses. This dual approach could potentially lead to better outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma who have not responded to conventional therapies or immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with metastatic melanoma, particularly those who do not respond to existing therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of combining senescence-inducing and senolytic agents is innovative, preliminary data suggest that enhancing immune responses through senescence may have shown promise in related studies.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.