NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how certain compounds affect liver cancer development in patients with diabetes and liver disease.

Official title: Matrix in pre-cirrhotic HCC

Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11042235 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a substance called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) might cause liver problems and cancer in people with type 2 diabetes, even before serious liver damage happens, to help find new ways to prevent or treat liver cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project startMarch 15, 2023
Project endFebruary 29, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$571,139
NIH project number5R01CA277710-03
Project IDNIH-11042235 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Less likely to help

Patients without diabetes or liver disease may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), can lead to liver cancer (HCC) even before cirrhosis develops. The study examines the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in promoting liver injury and cancer progression. By using animal models and dietary modifications, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which AGEs contribute to changes in liver tissue that may facilitate cancer development. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new prevention strategies or treatments for liver cancer associated with diabetes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing liver cancer in patients with diabetes and liver disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting advanced glycation end products can improve liver conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • Stanford University
    Stanford, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Torok, Natalie J. — Stanford University
  • Study coordinator: Torok, Natalie J.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.