Early detection of liver cancer using blood, imaging, and clinical data
Official title: The UCLA Center in Early Detection of Liver Cancer
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11406158 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to improve early detection of liver cancer (HCC) by combining blood markers, imaging, and patient information to catch the disease earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $866,250 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA230705-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11406158 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, including those with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without liver disease or those not at risk may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This program brings together doctors, scientists, and imaging experts to develop an integrated method that uses a blood-based DNA methylation signal, imaging results, and clinical data to detect liver cancer earlier. Researchers have already shown a promising blood test and have cohort groups of patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis B to validate the approach. In the next phase, they will expand these patient cohorts and advance both experimental and computational methods to refine early detection. The goal is a cost-effective, reliable way to identify liver cancer before symptoms appear, potentially saving time and lives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients at risk for liver cancer may receive earlier diagnosis and treatment, improving survival chances.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown promise with blood methylome markers and cohort-based validation in liver cancer detection.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Xianghong Jasmine — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Xianghong Jasmine
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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.