How gut bacteria affect liver cancer linked to metabolic disease
Official title: CROSSTALK BETWEEN GUT MICROBIOTA AND HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA INDUCED BY METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION-ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10952272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect liver health and the risk of liver cancer for people with a specific liver condition called MASLD, hoping to find early signs that could help in preventing serious problems down the line.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $426,425 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA293626-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) who are at risk for liver cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic dysfunction or those who do not have liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gut microbiota and the development of liver cancer in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The study aims to understand how changes in gut bacteria can lead to increased inflammation and liver damage, potentially resulting in cancer. By analyzing gut microbiota composition and its effects on liver health, the researchers hope to identify early indicators of liver cancer risk in these patients. This pilot study will lay the groundwork for larger studies in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and treatment strategies for liver cancer in patients with metabolic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in various diseases, but this specific approach to liver cancer in MASLD is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jalal, Prasun Kumar — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jalal, Prasun Kumar
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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.