Investigating liver cancer risk factors in Native Hawaiians compared to US whites
Official title: Differential risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) patients of native Hawaiians compared with US whites
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11014249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why Native Hawaiians might have a higher risk of liver cancer compared to white Americans, especially in people with a liver condition called MASLD, and it aims to understand how lifestyle, culture, and the environment affect this risk while also exploring the role of gut health and the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,817 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA255809-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders who are at high risk for liver cancer due to metabolic dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or are not of Native Hawaiian descent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the differences in liver cancer risk factors between Native Hawaiians and US whites, particularly in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The study aims to recruit a cohort of high-risk individuals, including Native Hawaiians, to explore how lifestyle, cultural barriers, and environmental exposures contribute to liver cancer disparities. By examining the role of gut microbiota and immune responses in liver health, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to increased cancer risk in these populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted prevention and treatment strategies for liver cancer in high-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated significant health disparities in liver cancer among different ethnic groups, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Jian-Min — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Jian-Min
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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.