Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Chemotherapy, Melanoma, NYU / 27.06.2025
NYU Study Finds Genetic Mitochondrial Trait Confers Resistance to Checkpoint Inhibitors in Melanoma
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_69251" align="alignleft" width="156"]
Dr. Kirchhoff[/caption]
Tomas Kirchhoff, PhD (corresponding author)
Associate ProfessorLaura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center
New York University School of Medicine
Robert Ferguson PhD
Senior Scientist at NYU Langone Medical Center
Kelsey Monson, PhD
Immuno-Oncology Postdoctoral Researcher
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain how mitochondrial DNA differs from chromosomal DNA?
TK: Immune checkpoint blockade has changed the way we treat several cancers, including advanced melanoma. Before these therapies, the treatment options were very limited, but now more than half of patients experience significant tumor shrinkage or disease control.
KRM: Despite these advances, many patients still do not respond to treatment. One of the main challenges in cancer medicine today is to find ways to predict which patients will benefit from these therapies before treatment begins. This approach is key to personalizing care and improving outcomes.
RF: Mitochondria are small structures inside our cells that produce the energy needed for cells to function. Unlike most of our DNA, mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the mother. Scientists can categorize this mitochondrial DNA into groups called haplogroups, based on unique variations in the genetic code. These haplogroups can provide insight into how cells produce energy and may affect a person’s health or response to cancer treatment.
Dr. Kirchhoff[/caption]
Tomas Kirchhoff, PhD (corresponding author)
Associate ProfessorLaura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center
New York University School of Medicine
Robert Ferguson PhD
Senior Scientist at NYU Langone Medical Center
Kelsey Monson, PhD
Immuno-Oncology Postdoctoral Researcher
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain how mitochondrial DNA differs from chromosomal DNA?
TK: Immune checkpoint blockade has changed the way we treat several cancers, including advanced melanoma. Before these therapies, the treatment options were very limited, but now more than half of patients experience significant tumor shrinkage or disease control.
KRM: Despite these advances, many patients still do not respond to treatment. One of the main challenges in cancer medicine today is to find ways to predict which patients will benefit from these therapies before treatment begins. This approach is key to personalizing care and improving outcomes.
RF: Mitochondria are small structures inside our cells that produce the energy needed for cells to function. Unlike most of our DNA, mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the mother. Scientists can categorize this mitochondrial DNA into groups called haplogroups, based on unique variations in the genetic code. These haplogroups can provide insight into how cells produce energy and may affect a person’s health or response to cancer treatment.
