Finding new ways to fight fibrolamellar carcinoma

Targeting PLK1 signaling for the treatment of fibrolamellar carcinoma

['FUNDING_R01'] · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER · NIH-11144481

This project aims to discover new ways to stop the growth of fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare and aggressive childhood liver cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorFRED HUTCHINSON CANCER CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11144481 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a challenging childhood liver cancer that often resists current treatments, leading to a low survival rate. We know FLC is caused by a unique genetic change that creates a special protein, but we don't fully understand how this protein drives cancer growth. Our team has developed new models, including patient-derived cells and organ cultures, to help us understand this process better. By using these models, we hope to find new weaknesses in the cancer that can be targeted with new medicines.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with fibrolamellar carcinoma, particularly children and young adults, could ultimately benefit from the new treatment strategies identified through this research.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of liver cancer or those whose cancer does not involve the specific genetic changes found in fibrolamellar carcinoma may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of much-needed new therapies for children and young adults with fibrolamellar carcinoma, offering hope where current treatments fall short.

How similar studies have performed: This project seeks urgently needed new therapeutic strategies for FLC, as current therapies are largely ineffective, suggesting a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.