Delivering omega‑3 (DHA) inside LDL particles to target liver cancer
Docosahexaenoic Acid Loaded Low-density Lipoproteins: A Novel Biologic Intervention for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
A therapy that delivers the omega‑3 fat DHA inside LDL particles to liver tumors for people with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who receive TACE.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248853 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a method to load the omega‑3 fatty acid DHA into low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) particles so the DHA can be carried directly to liver tumors. The team plans to combine these DHA‑loaded LDL particles with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to try to reduce damage to healthy liver tissue and limit tumor regrowth. Work starts with laboratory and preclinical tests (cells and animal models) to check delivery, safety, and anti‑tumor effects, with the goal of advancing toward human testing if results are promising. From a patient's perspective, the aim is to make TACE safer and more effective by protecting liver function and lowering the chance the cancer returns.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with intermediate‑stage, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who are candidates for transarterial chemoembolization and have adequate liver function.
Not a fit: Patients with early resectable tumors, very advanced/metastatic disease, or severe liver failure who are not TACE candidates are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could protect healthy liver tissue during TACE and reduce tumor recurrence, improving outcomes for people with intermediate‑stage HCC.
How similar studies have performed: Some lab and preclinical studies suggest DHA has anti‑cancer effects, but delivering DHA via LDL particles to liver tumors is a novel approach that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corbin, Ian Ronald — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Corbin, Ian Ronald
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.