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Skin Cancer Research

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is paving the way for skin cancer and melanoma research and innovative treatments. Find out how you can benefit from our clinical trials.

Researching Skin Cancer Developing Novel Therapies at Winship

Skin cancer prognosis and outcomes continue to improve, thanks to advanced screening methods and early diagnosis. Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, is spearheading skin cancer research that will ultimately save lives.

Skin Cancer Research at Winship

While surgery remains the first line of treatment for most skin cancers, new research continues to evolve for targeted therapy and immunotherapy options. The following research and therapies have shown impressive results in patients with advanced melanoma, and are all offered at Winship:

  • Targeted therapy — By understanding the genetic mutations of metastatic melanoma and other, rarer skin cancers, targeted therapy drugs are now being used to home in on those specific mutated cells.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibition — Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are drugs that stimulate a person’s immune system to recognize genetic mutations. Three of these drugs are now approved for the treatment of melanoma that can’t be removed with surgery or has metastasized.
  • Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) — This type of immunotherapy involves identifying a patient’s immune cells that are best at recognizing their tumor, extracting them and growing them in the lab, then giving them back to the patient so that the patient can fight off the cancer.
  • Intratumoral injection — This procedure uses a more direct approach. The tumor is injected with an immunotherapy drug to trigger an immune response.

Skin Cancer Clinical Trials

In addition to standard therapy, many Winship patients with skin cancer are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are controlled studies that test new interventions on a disease, such as lung cancer. They offer participants early access to novel treatments that are not yet commercially available.

Participating in Skin Cancer Research

As a research center, our physicians will make every effort to match you with a clinical trial that targets your unique cancer. It’s best if you enroll from the beginning, so let your doctor know on your first visit if you’re interested in learning more about a clinical trial. Most clinical trials are supplemental, meaning you’ll still receive the standard therapy in addition to any treatment being studied.

Support for Clinical Trial Participation

Winship conducts lung cancer research at the following locations:

We welcome trial participants from all over Georgia and beyond. Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Our supportive oncology team can assist you with services, such as finding affordable accommodations near Winship for the duration of your clinical trial.