Anti-cancer vaccine for liver fluke infection and bile duct cancer
Official title: Anti-cancer vaccine targeting the host-parasite interface during fluke infection
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11535225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A vaccine approach aims to stop liver fluke interactions with the human bile ducts to prevent bile duct cancer in regions where the parasite is common.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2012 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $143,742 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA164719-13S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535225 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals in East Asia (Thailand, Laos) with exposure to Opisthorchis viverrini or at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to the parasite or those not at risk of infection would not be eligible or benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini affects the human biliary system and uses a multi-target vaccine strategy to interfere with parasite proteins that drive cancer risk. Researchers will identify key parasite secretions and vesicles that change the host environment, and then select vaccine antigens to block these harmful interactions. If successful, the vaccine could reduce infection-related cancer risk in high-burden areas of East Asia. The work involves laboratory studies on parasite proteins and host responses, with the long-term goal of a therapy that lowers cancer incidence linked to bile duct disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could reduce liver fluke–associated bile duct cancer in regions with high infection rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that parasite proteins influence host responses and cancer risk, supporting a novel vaccine approach, though this exact multi-antigen strategy is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
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George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brindley, Paul J — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Brindley, Paul J
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.