Witt Lab

The Witt Lab at the University of Virginia investigates the biological mechanisms that drive melanoma progression and therapeutic resistance. We focus on how systemic metabolic states, particularly obesity and physical activity, reshape tumor metabolism, stress responses, and treatment sensitivity. By integrating translational models with clinically annotated human samples, our goal is to define actionable vulnerabilities that inform more precise and effective melanoma therapies.

Expertise in Melanoma Research
While our laboratory is newly established, but our team boasts an extensive track record of over 12 years of research. Dr. Witt has published in scientific journals such as Nature, Science Translational Medicine, JAMA Surgery, and JAMA Dermatology. Our residents, medical student, and undergraduates have presented at national meetings such as the annual meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society of Surgical Oncology, the Academic Surgical Congress, and others.

Clinically Relevant Research
The Witt Lab is dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with melanoma by integrating clinical, translational, and basic research. Our work spans from bench to bedside, exploring molecular mechanisms of melanoma resistance, investigating novel therapeutic approaches, and performing clinically relevant studies, with the ultimate goal of translating these findings into better treatments. By bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical application, we aim to enhance patient care and contribute to advancements in melanoma therapy.

Understanding What Drives Melanoma Response and Progression
We are currently working towards a better understanding of what governs melanoma resistance, responses to treatment, and determine why certain individuals respond better than others.

Surgical Research
Beyond our work in melanoma, we are research a variety of topics related to academic surgery. We have explored numerous topics including the affordability of parenthood as a resident, medical misinformation on social media, and training background on future research success.

Translational Research

• 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

• 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 Melanom

The Witt Lab collaborates closely with many labs at UVA. We aim to create a collaborative environment where students, residents, and scientists can exchange ideas and work together to advance cancer care.

• National Cancer Institute K08 Mentored Clinician Scientist Development Award
• National Cancer Institute – Early Surgeon Scientist Program
• integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV) Scholar
• University of Virginia Cancer Center IDEA Pilot Grant
• University of Virginia Cancer Center Melanoma Translational Research Award
• University of Virginia Cancer Center Investigator Initiated Clinical Trial