The AACR-Ocular Melanoma Foundation Joanne Barlia Research Fellowship represents a joint effort to encourage and support a postdoctoral or clinical research fellow to conduct ocular/uveal melanoma research and to establish a successful career path in ophthalmology, ocular oncology, uveal melanoma biology, or a similar field.

2024 grantee

Research

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have been effective for metastatic cutaneous melanomas, they have been less efficacious in ocular melanoma. Adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) expanded ex vivo have shown promise in ocular melanoma, achieving a 35% response rate. Early robust survival of tumor-specific T cells and transfer of less differentiated T cells have been keys to success with this treatment strategy. Dr. Mahadik seeks to improve the efficacy of TILs by reprogramming with mRNAs to enhance immediate tumor cell killing and long-term persistence. Reprogrammed TILs will be tested in a patient-derived xenograft model.

Biography

Dr. Mahadik began her academic journey at Mumbai University, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology. Driven by a passion for cutting-edge research, she pursued her doctorate in biological sciences at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, focusing on innovative drug delivery systems for colon and brain cancers mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor. She then worked as a visiting scientist at the University of Rennes. Currently, she is a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University, focusing on developing TILs to combat rare melanomas, including ocular melanoma.

Acknowledgment of Support

“I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 AACR-Ocular Melanoma Foundation Joanne Barlia Research Fellowship. This award will allow me to analyze ocular melanoma patient samples and conduct advanced research to uncover insights that will contribute to furthering my understanding and enhancing the efficacy of engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.”