Exploring hormone signaling to improve liver cancer treatment
Manipulating Sex Hormone Signaling for Therapeutic Benefit in Liver Cancer
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 ID | NIH-11071341 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who may benefit from targeted hormonal therapies.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bader, David Alan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Bader, David Alan
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.