A new way to find liver cancer early using tiny particles
Click Chemistry-Mediated Surface Protein Assay for Quantifying Subpopulations of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-associated Extracellular Vesicles
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11121779
This project is developing a new blood test to find liver cancer earlier in people at risk, especially those with liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11121779 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is often found too late, making it hard to treat effectively. Current screening methods like ultrasound and blood tests for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) don't always catch the cancer early enough. This research aims to create a more accurate blood test by looking at tiny particles called extracellular vesicles, or EVs, which are released by cancer cells. By studying the unique proteins on the surface of these EVs, we hope to identify liver cancer at its earliest stages. This could lead to better treatment outcomes for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients at high risk for liver cancer, such as those with liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B virus infection, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have liver cancer or are not at risk for developing it would not directly benefit from this specific diagnostic tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more accurate and earlier way to detect liver cancer, potentially improving treatment options and survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: The concept of using extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for cancer detection is a rapidly developing field with promising early results in various cancer types, though this specific approach for HCC is novel.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHU, YAZHEN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: ZHU, YAZHEN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Alcoholic Liver Diseases