Investigating genetic factors contributing to liver cancer in African Americans
Official title: Genetic Epidemiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in African Americans
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10894325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genetics might play a role in the higher rates of liver cancer in African Americans, and it's gathering information from many patients to help find better ways to prevent and treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 26, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $347,701 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA274528-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of African descent or those without risk factors for liver cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic factors that may increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specifically in African Americans. By conducting a genome-wide association study (GWAS), the researchers aim to identify genetic variations that contribute to the higher incidence of HCC in this population compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study will collect comprehensive genetic, epidemiological, and environmental data from a large cohort of African American cancer patients to better understand the underlying causes of this disparity. The findings could lead to improved prevention strategies and targeted interventions for those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better risk assessment and prevention strategies for liver cancer in African Americans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genome-wide association studies in other populations have successfully identified genetic risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting potential for similar success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thrift, Aaron Peter — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Thrift, Aaron Peter
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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.