How hepatitis C and HIV together affect aging and liver cancer risk
Official title: Impact of Hepatitis C and HIV coinfection on biological aging and hepatocellular carcinoma risk
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10872804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having both hepatitis C and HIV affects aging and the risk of liver cancer in people from Latin America, and it hopes to find ways to help detect and prevent cancer in those living with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $100,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R21TW012390-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with both hepatitis C and HIV, particularly those from Latin American populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how co-infection with hepatitis C and HIV influences biological aging and the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer. The study will analyze DNA from blood samples to identify epigenetic changes that may indicate accelerated aging and increased cancer risk in individuals with both infections. By focusing on a Latin American population, the research aims to provide insights into the unique challenges faced by those living with these co-infections. The findings could help in developing targeted interventions for early detection and prevention of liver cancer in this vulnerable group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for early detection and prevention of liver cancer in patients co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that HIV-positive individuals with hepatitis C are at a higher risk for developing liver cancer at younger ages, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debes, Jose Daniel — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Debes, Jose Daniel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This project will see if a blood test can find liver cancer earlier in Hispanic people who have chronic hepatitis B.
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Early blood markers to find hepatitis B–related liver cancer in Hispanics
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-
Towards a blood-based test using nanophotonic exosomes to screen and diagnose liver cancer
A new blood test using tiny particles shed by liver cancer cells aims to screen for hepatocellular carcinoma earlier and more accurately.
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Metabolic imaging to guide targeted therapy for liver cancer
A clinician-scientist at UPenn is pursuing training to use metabolic imaging to tailor therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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.