Improving liver cancer therapy by targeting a specific pathway
Official title: Targeting the LIFR-LCN2 pathway to improve liver cancer therapy
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11000317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein in the liver affects liver cancer growth and treatment responses, which could help improve current therapies for patients with liver cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $480,131 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269140-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver cancer types other than hepatocellular carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) and its interaction with lipocalin 2 (LCN2) in liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study aims to understand how LIFR influences tumor growth and response to existing therapies, such as sorafenib, by regulating iron levels and immune cell activity in the liver. By using genetically modified mice, researchers will explore the effects of LIFR loss on liver cancer progression and treatment resistance, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to enhance the effectiveness of current liver cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer therapy, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Li — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ma, Li
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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.