Using therapies that induce and eliminate senescent cells to enhance melanoma treatment
Official title: Combining senescence-inducing and senolytic agents to improve melanoma therapy
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11052517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $304,994 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA233770-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma who have not responded to conventional therapies or immune checkpoint inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vilgelm, Anna E — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Vilgelm, Anna E
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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.