Investigating the link between cyanobacteria and liver cancer development
Official title: Cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and liver cancer development
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-11082513 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into whether exposure to certain bacteria in water might increase the risk of liver cancer, especially for people who already have health issues that affect their metabolism, and it will compare those with liver cancer to others without it to find out more about this possible link.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $606,096 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA284379-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082513 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic liver disease or those at risk for liver cancer, particularly in regions where cyanobacteria exposure is prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any history of liver disease or those not exposed to cyanobacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential connection between exposure to cyanobacteria and the development of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It focuses on understanding how toxins produced by these bacteria may contribute to liver disease and cancer, particularly in individuals with metabolic risk factors. The study will involve a nested case-control design, comparing individuals diagnosed with HCC and chronic liver disease to matched controls, while analyzing prediagnostic exposure data and biological samples. By examining these relationships, the research aims to uncover previously unrecognized causes of liver cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for liver cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of cyanobacteria's role in liver cancer is relatively novel, preliminary evidence from other studies suggests a potential link between cyanotoxins and liver disease.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hernandez, Brenda Yukari — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Hernandez, Brenda Yukari
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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.