Mathieu Bakhoum, MD, PhD, Awarded Major Grant from the Department of Defense

We are pleased to announce that Mathieu Bakhoum, MD, PhD was recently awarded a major grant from the Department of Defense to study the molecular mechanism underlying uveal melanoma progression. This grant, entitled, “Dissecting the role of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 in Uveal melanoma Progression”, represents a Melanoma Academy Scholar Award offered through the Department of Defense's Melanoma Research Program, which is part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.

As you know, uveal melanoma is the most common and lethal primary intraocular cancer in adults. Despite advances in treatment modalities for primary uveal melanoma, survival rates have not significantly improved. Therefore, developing ways to intervene earlier in the disease cycle with the goal of preventing metastasis is critical. This project focuses on identifying mechanisms by which the tumor evolves to acquire a highly metastatic phenotype. This work could ultimately lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for patients with uveal melanoma.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Bakhoum on receiving this important award.