Early detection of liver cancer risk in people with cirrhosis and MASLD
Official title: Early detection of liver cancer among patients with cirrhosis and MASLD
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11356187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small research grant to explore better ways to find liver cancer early among people with cirrhosis and MASLD so they can get timely care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,829 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA313041-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11356187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cirrhosis and MASLD who are at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma may benefit from improved screening approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not at high risk for HCC or without cirrhosis/MASLD may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on improving how we identify liver cancer early in people who have cirrhosis and MASLD. Researchers plan to use data and new risk-stratification tools to understand who should receive HCC screening and how best to deliver it in real-world settings. The goal is to build a population-based registry that helps tailor surveillance and interventions for those at risk. Results could guide doctors on when and how to screen more effectively, aiming to catch cancer earlier and improve outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to more personalized and timely liver cancer screening, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that targeted surveillance can improve early detection, but uptake remains low and risk-stratified approaches are still being refined.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moon, Andrew — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Moon, Andrew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding liver cancer risk in Hispanics with cirrhosis
This study is looking at what might increase or decrease the chances of getting liver cancer in Hispanic people who have cirrhosis, and it aims to find ways to help with early detection and prevention.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Aging and liver cancer: new ways to prevent and fight hepatocellular carcinoma
This research explores how aging promotes liver cancer and tests new preventive approaches that could help people at higher risk due to age.
-
Statin therapy for people with compensated cirrhosis
A big, long-term study at a major university is looking at whether statins can help people with compensated cirrhosis live longer and feel better.
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Liver Cirrhosis Network: Centers for Clinical Research
A multicenter study in people with cirrhosis from different causes (including HIV, NASH, and alcohol-related liver disease) to collect data and samples and test new ways to predict and monitor disease progression.
-
Outcomes in cirrhosis from different causes and the role of HIV and simvastatin
This study looks at how cirrhosis from alcohol, HIV, and other causes affects patients and whether simvastatin can influence outcomes.
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.