Investigating EZH2's role in liver cancer and potential treatments
Official title: Role of EZH2 as a Driver and Therapeutic Target of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11081640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called EZH2 affects liver cancer, with the hope of finding new treatments to help people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $461,997 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271613-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches targeting EZH2.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without hepatocellular carcinoma may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer that currently has limited treatment options. The study examines the role of EZH2, a protein that can silence tumor suppressor genes, in the development of HCC. By analyzing patient samples and using laboratory models, the researchers aim to understand how EZH2 contributes to tumor growth and how it can be targeted with new therapies. The ultimate goal is to develop effective treatments that can improve outcomes for patients with HCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with EZH2 inhibitors in other cancers, indicating potential for success in treating hepatocellular carcinoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelliher, Michelle Alice — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Kelliher, Michelle Alice
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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.