HCC Risk Stratification in MAFLD Cirrhosis
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11379127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large, patient-focused effort to identify which people with MAFLD-related cirrhosis are at higher risk for liver cancer and to develop practical tools to stratify that risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $320,775 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA263025-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11379127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cirrhosis, especially those with MAFLD, who are enrolled in or eligible for the THCCC cohort follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MAFLD or without cirrhosis may not directly benefit from the study findings.
What this research studies
This project uses data from a major US cohort of cirrhosis patients, most with MAFLD, to find metabolic factors that signal higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers will analyze metabolic markers, including BMI, diabetes status, lipids, and insulin resistance, along with novel biomarkers from metabolomic and lipidomic tests. The goal is to build risk prediction models that can guide clinicians in surveillance and prevention strategies. The work leverages existing biospecimens and infrastructure from the Texas HCC Consortium to study thousands of patients over time, aiming to identify who needs closer monitoring or early interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients at higher risk could receive more tailored monitoring and prevention measures to catch cancer earlier or reduce risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked metabolic risk factors to liver cancer risk, and this work expands that knowledge in a large, contemporary cohort.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Serag, Hashem B — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: El-Serag, Hashem B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Statin therapy for people with compensated cirrhosis
A big, long-term study at a major university is looking at whether statins can help people with compensated cirrhosis live longer and feel better.
-
Liver Cirrhosis Network: Centers for Clinical Research
A multicenter study in people with cirrhosis from different causes (including HIV, NASH, and alcohol-related liver disease) to collect data and samples and test new ways to predict and monitor disease progression.
-
Outcomes in cirrhosis from different causes and the role of HIV and simvastatin
This study looks at how cirrhosis from alcohol, HIV, and other causes affects patients and whether simvastatin can influence outcomes.
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Liver Cirrhosis Network: Mayo Clinic's Clinical Research Center
A Mayo Clinic-led project will follow and help people with compensated cirrhosis, using data, imaging, and a big AI tool to predict when complications may happen and test whether a statin can improve outcomes.
-
Understanding how risk factors affect progression of cirrhosis and response to statins in patients with cirrhosis
This project follows people with cirrhosis to see what factors speed up their liver disease and whether statin medicines help prevent worsening.
-
Cirrhosis Network study to understand mortality and therapies
A large, multi-center study in people with cirrhosis to find better ways to predict deaths and test the potential of statins to prevent complications like liver cancer and liver failure.
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.