Tumor Biology Dissertation Presents New Way of Tracking Melanoma Progression
Source: The Hoya, January 2025
An M.D.-Ph.D. candidate in Georgetown University’s tumor biology program defended his dissertation, titled “Molecular Signatures of Treatment Responses in Tumors and Serial Liquid Biopsies in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma,” Jan. 16.
Sidharth Jain, the doctoral candidate, described a novel way to track melanoma progression and treatment response through blood draws. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and melanoma is the most dangerous type because it has a relatively higher probability of spreading to other parts of the body. While mortality rates have declined over the past decade, melanoma can still be deadly if not found early.
Jain said this new method of monitoring melanoma, known as a liquid biopsy, is less invasive and more versatile than a traditional biopsy, since just one blood sample contains many informative substances.