New treatment approach for liver cancer using enhanced cellular stress mechanisms
Official title: Novel Approach to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment through Enhanced ER Stress
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11070574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for liver cancer that uses a special molecule to help make cancer cells die while keeping healthy cells safe, and it's designed for people with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | March 14, 2025 |
| Project end | March 13, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,070 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA298683-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage liver cancer or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a severe form of liver cancer. The approach targets the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in cancer cells, which is often elevated in HCC. By using a small molecule called ERX-315, the study aims to further activate this stress response, leading to cancer cell death while sparing normal cells. The research employs advanced techniques like CRISPR to identify key proteins involved in this process, specifically targeting lysosomal acid lipase A (LIPA).
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 gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting cellular stress responses in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Adriana — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Baker, Adriana
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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.