New treatment approach for liver cancer

Novel Targeted Combinatorial Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10977330

This study is testing a new treatment that combines two therapies to help fight advanced liver cancer, and if it works well, it could offer hope for patients looking for better options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-10977330 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel combination therapy targeting two oncogenes, AEG-1 and MDA-9, which are involved in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The approach utilizes targeted nanoplexes to deliver AEG-1 siRNA and a specific small molecule inhibitor of MDA-9, aiming to reduce cancer cell invasion and improve treatment outcomes. By analyzing patient data and conducting experiments in human HCC xenografts, the research seeks to establish a more effective treatment for advanced liver cancer. Patients may benefit from this innovative therapy if it proves successful in clinical trials.

Who could benefit from this research

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

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage liver cancer or those whose cancer is not related to the oncogenes AEG-1 and MDA-9 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with advanced liver cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with targeted therapies for cancer, suggesting potential success for 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 2026-06-13 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.