How statins might prevent and reverse liver cancer
Molecular Mechanisms by which Statins Prevent and Reverse Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Researchers are seeing if common cholesterol drugs called statins can stop or shrink hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer).
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140315 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory models of liver cancer to learn how statins block a cancer driver called MYC and how that slows or reverses tumors. The team will test statins at different stages of tumor development and measure tumor changes, immune effects, and molecular signals. They will also look for biomarkers that predict which tumors respond best to statins so doctors could target treatment. Findings will guide whether and how statins might be useful for preventing or treating liver cancer in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hepatocellular carcinoma or those at high risk for liver cancer (for example, patients with cirrhosis) would be the most relevant candidates for future trials or sample contributions.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or liver tumors driven by pathways unrelated to MYC may not benefit from statin-based approaches identified here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to a cheap, widely available drug that helps prevent or shrink liver cancer and provide tests to identify patients most likely to benefit.
How similar studies have performed: Observational studies and animal experiments have suggested statins can lower liver cancer risk and slow tumors, but using statins as a targeted therapy with predictive biomarkers is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Felsher, Dean W — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Felsher, Dean W
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.