How genetic ancestry affects liver cancer risk and survival rates

The Impact of Genetic Ancestry on Racial Disparities in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk and Mortality

NIH-funded research University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10923880

This study is looking at how your genetic background might affect your risk of liver cancer and how well you do if you have it, especially for people with chronic liver issues, and it's being led by Dr. Patricia Jones to help us understand these differences better.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-10923880 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of genetic ancestry in the risk and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a serious liver cancer. By analyzing a diverse group of patients with chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and HCC, the study aims to identify how genetic variations and environmental factors contribute to racial disparities in HCC outcomes. The research will involve genotyping participants to explore the connections between ancestry, genetic factors, and cancer risk. This work is led by Dr. Patricia Jones, who is enhancing her expertise in genetic epidemiology to better understand these complex interactions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly from diverse racial backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients without chronic liver disease or those who do not have a genetic predisposition to liver cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk assessment and targeted treatments for liver cancer based on genetic ancestry.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that genetic factors can significantly influence cancer risk and outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, 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 Advanced 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.