VA research: New findings on skin cancer, artificial lungs, PT
The VA's Office of Research and Development has published three new research briefs highlighting significant advances in melanoma treatment, artificial lung technology, and physical therapy access for veterans. These findings represent ongoing efforts by VA researchers to address health challenges that disproportionately affect the veteran population, from combat-related injuries to age-related conditions that require innovative care approaches.
Researchers at the William S. Middleton Veterans' Hospital in Wisconsin, working alongside University of Wisconsin scientists, have identified a promising new approach to treating melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The team discovered that an enzyme called SIRT3 plays an essential role in melanoma cancer cell survival, and blocking its production reduced tumor growth in both tissue samples and mouse models. More significantly, when researchers applied a compound that inhibited both SIRT3 and a related enzyme called SIRT1, they observed substantial decreases in both tumor volume and weight, suggesting that targeting these two enzymes together could offer a new therapeutic pathway for this aggressive cancer.
In a separate breakthrough, VA Ann Arbor researchers have developed a new 3D-printable, silicone-based resin that could dramatically improve artificial lung technology. Current artificial lung devices face a critical problem: dangerous blood clotting occurs where synthetic materials contact natural tissue, requiring patients to take systemic anticoagulants that carry their own serious risks, including severe bleeding events. The new material reduced clotting area by 58% to 65% compared to currently available resins when tested with freshly drawn blood, potentially extending device lifetime while reducing the need for risky blood-thinning medications.
Meanwhile, researchers at the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System have demonstrated how integrating physical therapy directly into primary care teams can remove barriers that prevent veterans from accessing needed treatment. The pilot program embedded physical therapists into patient-aligned care teams, and interviews with both veterans and VA staff revealed multiple benefits: increased access to physical therapy services, reduced wait times, and less transportation burden for veterans who would otherwise need to travel to separate appointments. Veterans in the program reported high satisfaction levels and appreciated the opportunity to try conservative pain interventions before considering surgery, while those in rural areas particularly benefited from receiving care within the VA system rather than requiring community care referrals to outside providers where physical therapy options may be limited.
These research developments matter to disabled veterans because they address conditions and care challenges common within the veteran community. Skin cancer rates are elevated among veterans due to occupational sun exposure during service, respiratory conditions affect many veterans particularly those with service-connected lung damage, and chronic pain with mobility limitations remains one of the most prevalent disability categories among VA beneficiaries. Research conducted within the VA system specifically focuses on veteran health patterns and care delivery models designed around VA infrastructure.
Veterans interested in participating in VA research studies or learning about emerging treatments should discuss options with their VA primary care provider during regular appointments. Those experiencing chronic pain or mobility issues should ask whether their local VA medical center offers integrated physical therapy services similar to the Colorado pilot program. The VA's Office of Research and Development maintains updated information on ongoing studies and research findings at research.va.gov, and veterans can inquire about clinical trial opportunities that may provide early access to promising new treatments while contributing to medical advances that will benefit future generations of veterans.