Optimizing Targeted Therapies for Wild-Type BRAF, Wild-Type NRAS (WT/WT) Melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The mutations that drive the disease are very variable between tumors. About half of melanomas have a mutation within a gene called BRAF, and these tumors typically respond to drugs that target mutant forms of BRAF. Melanomas that do not have BRAF mutations (i.e., are wild-type for BRAF) do not respond, and patients with these tumors do not have good “targeted inhibitor” options. Our work is aimed are providing the basis for new strategies for this group of patients. We propose a translational project in which we will collaborate with national melanoma researchers. The potential clinical benefit is new, improved treatment options for melanoma patients. There are no potential risks of this work for patients. Since the incidence rate for melanoma is increased in both male and female Department of Defense active duty military personnel, our work is directly relevant to active duty Service members, Veterans, and other military beneficiaries. The proposal addresses the Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Topic Area, Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers, and the FY17 PRCRP Military Relevance Focus Area, Gaps in Cancer Treatment.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Oct 29, 2018
Source ID
W81XWH1810224

Entities

People

  • Andrew E Aplin

Organizations

  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • United States Army

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Oncology