Exploring hormone signaling to improve liver cancer treatment
Official title: Manipulating Sex Hormone Signaling for Therapeutic Benefit in Liver Cancer
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11071341 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how male hormones might influence liver cancer, specifically a type called hepatocellular carcinoma, to help find better treatments for patients by understanding how these hormones affect tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2025 |
| Project end | March 9, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $82,744 |
| NIH project number | 1F32CA298657-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071341 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who may benefit from targeted hormonal therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver cancer types that do not involve androgen receptor signaling or those with early-stage liver cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how male hormone signaling affects liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is becoming a leading cause of cancer death. The study uses a genetically engineered mouse model that mimics human HCC to explore the role of androgen receptors in tumor growth. By manipulating hormone levels and combining treatments that inhibit both androgen receptors and mTOR pathways, the researchers aim to find more effective therapies for advanced liver cancer. Patients may benefit from insights gained on how to better target hormone-related pathways in their treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that significantly improve outcomes for patients with advanced liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While androgen receptor inhibition has shown success in prostate cancer, this approach in liver cancer is still being explored and is considered novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bader, David Alan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Bader, David Alan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Testing new therapies for pediatric and young adult sarcoma, kidney, and liver cancers
Researchers are testing new drugs and smart combinations in models of pediatric cancers to help guide future treatments for kids and young adults.
-
Liver cancer prevention and care in Uganda using HIV clinic networks
A program in Uganda uses existing HIV care systems to roll out liver cancer prevention, screening, and treatment strategies tailored to local needs.
-
Leveraging HIV care to prevent liver cancer in Uganda
A program in Uganda uses existing HIV care clinics to roll out a liver cancer prevention and treatment plan tailored to local needs.
-
Damaged telomeres and telomerase in liver scarring and liver cancer
Using human stem-cell models, researchers look at how short telomeres and telomerase changes can lead to liver scarring and liver cancer for people with telomere-related risks.
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.