Investigating immune cells in liver cancer among HIV-infected patients
Official title: Tumor-associated pDC (TApDC) in liver cancer with HIV infection
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11083935 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells behave in liver cancer patients who also have HIV, with the goal of creating better treatments for liver cancer, especially for those in African American and immigrant communities. If you join this research, you could help find new ways to boost your immune system against cancer while reducing side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $634,061 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA298839-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083935 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with liver cancer who are also living with HIV, particularly those from African American and African/Asian immigrant backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver cancer or those who are not HIV-infected may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how tumor-associated plasmacytoid dendritic cells (TApDC) function within the immune environment of liver cancer, particularly in patients who are also living with HIV. The study aims to develop new treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that disproportionately affects African American and African/Asian immigrant communities. By exploring the effects of immunotherapy and the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the research seeks to enhance anti-tumor immunity while minimizing adverse effects. Patients participating in this research may contribute to the development of more effective therapies tailored to their unique health challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for liver cancer in HIV-infected patients, enhancing their quality of life and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this novel approach in the context of HIV and liver cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Lishan — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Su, Lishan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Immune cells linked to liver cancer in people with HIV
Developing treatments that target a specific immune cell to help people with liver cancer who also have HIV.
-
Understanding how genetic changes in blood cells relate to heart disease in people with HIV
A study will look at how age-related blood cell mutations and large chromosomal changes might contribute to heart disease risk in people living with HIV.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Cardiac health and protein markers in kids with perinatal HIV exposure or infection
A study from Duke aims to understand heart health and protein biomarkers in children who were exposed to or infected with HIV at birth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
-
Aging and liver cancer: new ways to prevent and fight hepatocellular carcinoma
This research explores how aging promotes liver cancer and tests new preventive approaches that could help people at higher risk due to age.
-
HBV cure clues in people with and without HIV
This project studies how HBV-specific B and T cell responses relate to curing hepatitis B in people with and without HIV.
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.