Investigating the link between liver fat and cancer outcomes in colorectal cancer survivors
Association between pre-diagnosis hepatic fat infiltration and risk of liver metastasis and mortality in a large cohort of stage I-III colorectal cancer survivors
This study is looking at how the amount of fat in the liver before a colorectal cancer diagnosis might influence the chances of liver problems and survival after treatment, especially for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, to help improve care for colorectal cancer survivors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10909072 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines how the amount of fat in the liver before a colorectal cancer diagnosis may affect the risk of liver metastasis and mortality in patients who have undergone treatment for stage I-III colorectal cancer. By analyzing CT scans taken at diagnosis, the study aims to quantify hepatic fat and assess its potential as a prognostic biomarker. The goal is to provide insights that could lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer survivors. Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are of particular interest, as this condition is common and treatable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are stage I-III colorectal cancer survivors who had a CT scan within four months of their diagnosis.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced colorectal cancer or those who did not undergo surgical resection may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, cost-effective method for predicting outcomes in colorectal cancer survivors, potentially improving their long-term care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a correlation between liver fat and cancer outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Giovannucci, Edward — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Giovannucci, Edward
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 below.