Exploring how freezing liver tumors affects the immune response in cancer treatment

Modulating the immuno-metabolic interplay in liver cancer with cryoablation

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-10809723

This study is looking at how freezing tumors in liver cancer patients affects their immune system and how this might help doctors figure out who will respond best to immunotherapy, with the goal of finding better treatment options for those with advanced liver cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-10809723 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of cryoablation, a technique that freezes tumors, on the immune response in liver cancer patients. It aims to understand how changes in tumor acidity and immune cell presence can predict responses to immunotherapy. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study will measure tumor acidity and immune cell density to identify which patients may benefit from immunotherapy. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those diagnosed at advanced stages.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, especially those at intermediate or advanced stages.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage liver cancer or those not eligible for cryoablation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for liver cancer patients, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using immunotherapy for other cancers, but this specific approach in liver cancer is novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.