How liver cancer cells affect the immune system's ability to fight cancer
Tumor-intrinsic signaling pathways restrict anti-tumor immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma
This study is looking at how certain signals in liver cancer cells make it harder for the immune system to fight the cancer, so we can find better ways to help patients respond to treatments like nivolumab.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10889027 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific signaling pathways within liver cancer cells, known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), can limit the effectiveness of the immune system in attacking tumors. The study aims to identify the mechanisms that cause resistance to existing immunotherapies, particularly the PD-1 inhibitors like nivolumab. By understanding these pathways, researchers hope to develop better strategies for selecting patients who will benefit from treatment and potentially enhance the immune response against the cancer. The approach includes analyzing tumor samples and exploring biomarkers that could predict treatment outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who are not eligible for curative treatments and have not responded well to existing therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage liver cancer or those who have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for liver cancer patients, enhancing their chances of survival and response to immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research in other cancer types has shown that targeting tumor-intrinsic pathways can improve responses to immunotherapy, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in liver cancer.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lujambio, Amaia — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Lujambio, Amaia
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 below.