Dr. Xiying Fan Named 2026 Recipient of the Faculty Melanoma Award
Chris Greig | Dept. of Dermatology Sep 22, 2026
Dr. Xiying Fan recently submitted a research proposal focused on “A Meta-Analysis of Publicly Available RNA-seq Datasets to Identify Novel Mechanisms of Immunotherapy Resistance in Melanoma.” The project aims to leverage existing high-quality RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data to better understand why some melanoma patients fail to respond to immunotherapy treatments.
By conducting a comprehensive meta-analysis of publicly available datasets, Dr. Fan's work seeks to uncover molecular pathways, gene expression patterns, and potential biomarkers associated with treatment resistance. Melanoma has been at the forefront of immunotherapy advancements, yet resistance to these therapies remains a major clinical challenge. Identifying the biological mechanisms responsible for resistance could lead to improved patient stratification and the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
The proposed study highlights the value of data-driven research and the growing importance of bioinformatics in cancer research. Through the integration and analysis of multiple RNA-seq datasets, Dr. Fan aims to generate new insights into melanoma biology and contribute to the ongoing effort to improve outcomes for patients receiving immunotherapy.
This submission demonstrates a commitment to advancing precision medicine by utilizing publicly available genomic resources to address critical questions in cancer treatment and resistance.