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Current research into skin cancer

Saving lives through research

Our research into melanoma is focused on bringing better treatments to people with the disease, and includes research to better understand the biology of this type of cancer and leading clinical trials of new treatments. Here are some examples of what’s happening right now.

Our current researchers

Investigating a new molecule

Professor Victoria Sanz-Moreno is investigating a particular molecule called ROCK in melanoma. She is looking at how ROCK works as cancer grows, spreads and becomes resistant to treatments. This will suggest whether it is a good target for future melanoma treatments.

Learn more about Prof Sanz-Moreno's work

Improving treatment for skin cancer

In London, Dr Masahiro Ono is looking at the roles played by our immune cells in response to melanoma, the most common type of skin cancer. He’s exploring ways to activate immune cells, to see if he can make immunotherapy more successful at treating cancer and reduce the side effects.

This research could help make immunotherapy treatments kinder and more effective for people with melanoma, so that more people can survive their disease. 

Read more about the symptoms of melanoma

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Past research

Thanks to research, we’ve helped change the outlook for people with skin cancer.

Find out more about past research

Explore our timeline of research into skin cancer

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Patients' stories

Meet people like Dave who have experienced first-hand how our research is making a difference. The life-saving research we do wouldn’t be possible without your support.

Read stories from skin cancer patients

Further information

Want to find more information about our research or skin cancer?

Find out more about clinical trials

More about the symptoms and treatments for skin cancer