How statins may help prevent and treat liver cancer

Molecular Mechanisms by which Statins Prevent and Reverse Hepatocellular Carcinoma

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10931574

This study is looking at how statins, which are often used to lower cholesterol, might help prevent and treat liver cancer, and it’s for anyone interested in new ways to fight this serious disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931574 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, can prevent and treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a serious type of liver cancer. The study will explore the mechanisms by which statins inhibit cancer growth, particularly focusing on their effects on a specific cancer-related protein called MYC. By using advanced mouse models, researchers aim to identify biomarkers that can predict how well patients might respond to statin treatment. This could lead to new strategies for using statins in cancer therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with liver cancer types other than hepatocellular carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic approach for patients with liver cancer, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the use of statins in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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 Cancer CauseCancer EtiologyCancer InductionCancer Suppressor GenesCancer Treatment
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.