New method for early detection of liver cancer
Official title: Peptide multimer for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10979395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to spot liver cancer early by using tiny protein pieces that can help doctors see the difference between harmful tumors and non-cancerous growths, making it easier to diagnose and treat patients with liver cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $421,744 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285303-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, such as those with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced liver cancer or those who do not have liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a peptide multimer that can serve as a new imaging biomarker for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a rapidly increasing type of liver cancer. By utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing and trajectory analysis, the study aims to identify specific molecular targets within HCC cells that can distinguish malignant tumors from benign lesions. The smaller size of peptides compared to traditional antibodies allows for better penetration into tumors, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies for patients. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the management of HCC by providing more reliable early detection methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of liver cancer, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using peptide-based biomarkers for cancer detection, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Thomas D — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wang, Thomas D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Glutamine and macrophage behavior in liver cancer
A funded project at a medical university aims to understand how the liver’s immune cells interact with a specific type of liver cancer by looking at metabolism, especially glutamine and ammonia.
-
Adding PSMA PET/CT imaging to liver cancer care for veterans
This project tests a new PET imaging approach to help diagnose and guide treatment for liver cancer in veterans.
-
Blood markers to catch early liver cancer in Hispanic people with hepatitis B
This project will see if a blood test can find liver cancer earlier in Hispanic people who have chronic hepatitis B.
-
Early blood markers to find hepatitis B–related liver cancer in Hispanics
This project will use immune-related blood markers to find liver cancer earlier in people with chronic hepatitis B, focusing on Hispanic adults.
-
Towards a blood-based test using nanophotonic exosomes to screen and diagnose liver cancer
A new blood test using tiny particles shed by liver cancer cells aims to screen for hepatocellular carcinoma earlier and more accurately.
-
Metabolic imaging to guide targeted therapy for liver cancer
A clinician-scientist at UPenn is pursuing training to use metabolic imaging to tailor therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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.