While the cure rate for localized melanoma approaches 100% using surgical modalities, the prognosis for metastatic melanoma is poor indeed. It is therefore necessary to find effective and specific therapeutic modalities for this devastating disease entity. My lab investigates molecular mechanisms that promote melanoma invasion.
Specifically we are studying the role of the endothelin pathway in melanoma development and progression. Importantly we are looking at drugs that specifically block this pathway in vivo. Our current studies focus on the regulation of adhesion molecule expression by endothelin in melanocytes and melanoma cells. We are also conducting animal studies investigating the ability of endothelin receptor antagonists to prevent melanoma metastasis. We anticipate conducting phase I clinical trials using these antagonists in the foreseeable future.