NIH-funded research P01 program project

Investigating how metabolic stress contributes to liver cancer development

Official title: Role of hypernutrition and metabolic stress in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10935863 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how extra weight and changes in metabolism might affect the growth of liver cancer in people with fatty liver disease, and it aims to find ways to slow down or prevent this cancer from getting worse.

More Carcinoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startSeptember 9, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$2,397,277
NIH project number1P01CA281819-01A1
Project IDNIH-10935863 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) who are at risk for developing liver cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients without NASH or those with other types of liver disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of metabolic stress and hypernutrition in the progression of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) driven by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The team will explore how changes in metabolism affect cancer development by studying specific cellular pathways and interactions. They aim to identify key components that could be targeted to slow down or prevent the progression of HCC. By using advanced techniques, including lineage tracing, they will investigate the mechanisms that drive these changes in liver cells.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating liver cancer in patients with NASH.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic pathways related to liver cancer, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kaufman, Randal J. — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
  • Study coordinator: Kaufman, Randal J.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Role of metabolic stress in NASH-related liver cancer

    This grant explores how metabolic stress linked to NASH may drive liver cancer and looks for ways to interrupt that process to help patients.

    NIH research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11418957

  • How overeating and metabolic stress drive NASH-related liver cancer

    This research looks at how excess nutrition and cell stress change liver metabolism and push NASH (fatty liver disease) toward liver cancer, with the goal of finding points to stop that process.

    NIH research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11189737

  • Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Platform for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

    A Johns Hopkins study will test immune-based therapy given before surgery to shrink liver cancer and help prevent recurrence.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11330677

  • Using immunotherapy before surgery to improve outcomes in liver cancer

    This study is looking at how giving immunotherapy before surgery can help boost the immune system's ability to fight liver cancer, and it's for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are preparing for surgery.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11093523

  • Testing a pig model for liver cancer treatments

    This study is testing a special type of pig that has been genetically modified to develop liver cancer like humans do, to help find better treatments for people with liver cancer by seeing how different genetic changes respond to targeted therapies.

    NIH research Sus Clinicals, INC. · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-10931506

  • Using advanced imaging to better understand liver cancer

    This study is looking at new ways to spot and treat liver cancer using advanced imaging techniques, which could help doctors understand your cancer better and find the best treatment just for you.

    NIH research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · Houston, United States · NIH-10923885

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.