Designer cytokine therapy for liver cancer
Official title: Designer Cytokine Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11395191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, targeted cytokine therapy is being studied to shrink liver tumors and help the immune system reach and destroy cancer cells in people with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $582,256 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA275740-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who meet study-specific eligibility criteria and are able to participate in early-phase translational work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with certain medical conditions or contraindications may not benefit or could be ineligible for this particular therapy.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a novel therapy using MDA-7/IL-24 and an improved version M7S/IL-24S to selectively suppress liver tumors and boost immune responses. Researchers will explore how these engineered proteins can trigger cancer cell death, reduce blood vessel growth to tumors, and work well with existing treatments. The work builds on prior safety data and aims to extend benefits to patients with advanced liver cancer. Participation would involve specific clinical or translational steps to test efficacy and safety in humans. Outcomes could lead to better, more precise treatments for liver cancer in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with advanced liver cancer could receive a more effective therapy that targets tumors while enhancing immune attack.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows the cytokine therapy can induce tumor cell death and may work with other treatments, with early signals of safety and efficacy.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Paul B — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Paul B
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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.