Current Projects
Translational Research Projects
The Obesity Paradox In Melanoma
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and BRAF-targeted therapy have significantly extended the life expectancy of melanoma patients. However, despite these treatment successes, a substantial 40-65% of those with metastatic melanoma do not survive beyond five years. Recent research has uncovered a perplexing phenomenon: obese patients receiving ICB and BRAF-targeted therapy show improved survival rates compared to their normal-weight counterparts. This unexpected discovery, known as the "obesity paradox," contradicts the establish thinking regarding obesity. In our research project, we aim to unravel this paradox by investigating how obesity-associated changes affect the efficacy of melanoma treatment.
The Tumor Microenvironment of In-Transit Melanoma
In-transit melanoma (ITM) metastases are cutaneous or subcutaneous deposits of melanoma cells in the drainage area between the primary tumor and the first regional lymph node. ITM is a distinct clinical entity that can be difficult to treat because the tumors can be multiple and encompass a very large area. The mechanisms underlying ITM metastases are not fully understood. While ITM often occurs in the presence of distant metastasis some patients exhibit only aggressive locoregional disease with delayed or no progression to distant sites. Our lab is looking at the unique mutational landscape of ITM metastases to determine if we can determine the underlying mechanism for this unique clinical behavior and possibly find therapeutic targets.
Clinical Research Projects
The Correlation of Visceral Fat with BRAF/MEK Treatment Responses in Melanoma
The Practice Patterns of Treatment for High and Low Risk Thin Melanomas
Training History and NIH Funding for Surgeons
Affordability of Parenthood as a Resident
Credibility of Medical Social Media Influencers
Porocarcinoma Clinical and Pathologic Characteristics
NODES Trial: Navigation Of Decisions for Elective Sentinel Lymph Node Surgery for Melanoma
Recent Publications
Shah B, Mayhew MM, Sellers J, Witt RG. MAPK Inhibitor-Tolerant Persister Cells in Melanoma: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities. Cancer Sci. 2026 May 19. doi: 10.1111/cas.70418. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42153615.
Mayhew MM, Hemmer Z, Olecki EJ, Sellers JA, Kuchimanchi N, Dengel LT, Slingluff Jr CL, Witt RG. Immunotherapy Administration and Survival for Stage IV Melanoma Patients at Minority‐Serving Hospitals. Cancer Medicine. 2026 Apr;15(4):e71834.
Yee P, Shen C, Jeun C, Mayhew M, Witt RG. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Desmoplastic Melanoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2026 Mar 23:1-9.
Mayhew MM, Tocco EG, Mercante MG, Kuchimanchi N, Shen C, Moheb ME, Ruff S, Dengel LT, Slingluff CL, Witt RG. Patterns and Predictors of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Utilization in High-and Low-Risk Thin Melanomas. Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2026 Jan 16:1-1.
Kuchimanchi N, Sul N, Gajula S, Mercante M, Tocco E, Mayhew MM, Dengel LT, Cavalcante L, Hadley L, Witt RG. Focused Ultrasound for Sarcomas: A Narrative Review. Current Oncology. 2025 Aug 12;32(8):452. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32080452
Mayhew MM, Kuchimanchi N, Lee J, Olecki EJ, Sellers J, Slingluff Jr CL, Tsung A, Witt RG. Where You Train Matters: Surgeon-Scientists Disproportionately Trained at Highly Funded Institutions. Annals of Surgery. 2025:10-97. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.0000000000006880
Tocco EG, Mayhew MM, Mercante MG, Kuchimanchi N, Moheb ME, Shen C, Tsung A, Witt RG. Variability in article processing charges of open-access publishing across medical specialties. PloS one. 2025 Jul 30;20(7):e0320684. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320684
Kuchimanchi N, Gajula S, Gaughan EM, Witt RG. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor‐Related Dysautonomia in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report. Cancer Reports. 2025 Jul;8(7):e70274.
Mercante, M.G.*, Tocco, E.G.*, Kuchimanchi, N., El Moheb, M., Nunez, M.F., Mayhew, M.M., Kim, S.J., Tsung, A., Cheng, L.S., Witt, R.G. Affording childcare on a surgical resident’s salary. JAMA Network Open, 8.0, e250708-e250708 2025. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0708
