Melanoma Research Institute of Excellence

Research in the Aplin laboratory focuses on melanoma, a type of cancer which arises from the transformation of melanocytes. The incidence rate of melanoma is rising and despite recent therapeutic advances, many patients do not respond to therapies or eventually relapse despite continued treatment.

Therefore, understanding how melanomas adapt and develop resistance to therapeutics remains a critical priority.  

Dr. Sato is a physician scientist who treats patients with metastatic uveal melanoma, a very rare and often fatal disease. As a clinician-scientist, he has been focused on finding effective treatments for metastatic uveal melanoma, from the bench to clinical practice and from clinical observation back to the bench. The lab works closely with a clinical trial group and actively works on translational research to advance clinical care.