Why a rare gamma delta T‑cell lymphoma develops in the skin

Mechanisms of Lymphomagenesis of Skin Resident Gamma Delta T cells

NIH-funded research Northwestern University · NIH-11239822

This project looks for the genetic changes and immune cell features that cause a rare, aggressive skin lymphoma called primary cutaneous gamma delta T‑cell lymphoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11239822 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers are collecting tumor samples and clinical data from many people with primary cutaneous gamma delta T‑cell lymphoma across multiple hospitals. They will use DNA and RNA sequencing and immune cell profiling to find mutations, gene activity patterns, and which skin immune cells are involved. Comparisons with normal skin gamma delta T cells will help pinpoint what makes the cancer cells behave badly. The team hopes to identify molecular targets that could guide new treatments or future clinical trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults diagnosed with primary cutaneous gamma delta T‑cell lymphoma who can provide tumor biopsies and medical records are the ideal participants.

Not a fit: People without this specific lymphoma, or those with unrelated skin conditions, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new drug targets and lead to better treatments or clinical trials for people with this rare lymphoma.

How similar studies have performed: Genomic and immune-profiling approaches have revealed targets in other lymphomas, but applying them to this very rare skin lymphoma is relatively new and largely untested.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.