What makes melanoma cells spread early

Project 1: Tumor Cell Intrinsic Determinants of Early Dissemination in Melanoma

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11143041

Researchers are looking at features inside melanoma cells that let the cancer spread early, to help people with melanoma.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11143041 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would have tumor cells examined to see different gene activity and cell states that might cause early spread. The team will map transcriptional and epigenetic patterns in primary melanomas and track how those cell states change over time. They will combine molecular analyses with cell and animal models and tissue studies to trace which cells seed metastases. Results are intended to point to markers or targets to stop early dissemination.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with primary cutaneous melanoma, especially those with early-stage tumors or who can donate tumor tissue, would be most relevant.

Not a fit: People without melanoma or those with unrelated diseases are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests that predict which melanomas will spread early and to new ways to prevent or treat early metastasis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown melanoma cell plasticity and heterogeneity relate to metastasis, but integrating these features to define early metastatic drivers is a newer, active area.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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: Cancers, Candidate Disease Gene

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.