New targeted therapy for liver cancer

Novel Targeted Combinatorial Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10754229

This study is testing a new treatment for liver cancer that uses tiny particles to deliver special medicines directly to the cancer cells, hoping to make the treatment work better and help patients live longer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-10754229 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common and deadly liver cancer. It focuses on two oncogenes, AEG-1 and MDA-9, which are involved in the development and progression of HCC. The researchers have developed a targeted delivery system using nanoplexes to deliver AEG-1 siRNA and a small molecule inhibitor for MDA-9, aiming to reduce cancer cell invasion and improve treatment outcomes. The approach combines these therapies with an existing FDA-approved drug to enhance effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who have limited treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage liver cancer or those whose cancer is not related to the oncogenes being targeted may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with advanced liver cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar oncogenes in cancer therapies, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.