Noninvasive methods to identify mutations in liver cancer
Official title: Noninvasive assessment of IDH mutation status in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11092682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to diagnose a type of liver cancer called intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) by using noninvasive methods to check for important genetic changes, which can help doctors choose the best treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA291090-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma or those at high risk for this type of liver cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of liver cancer or those without a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), a type of liver cancer with a poor prognosis. It aims to develop noninvasive techniques to assess the presence of specific mutations, particularly the IDH mutation, which is crucial for tailoring treatment options. By analyzing biological markers related to this mutation, the research seeks to enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate timely treatment for patients. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques and molecular analysis to achieve these goals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses of iCCA, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using noninvasive methods for diagnosing cancer, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zavriyev, Alexander — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Zavriyev, Alexander
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new mouse model to study intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its immunotherapy
A new mouse model helps researchers understand intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and test immune-based treatments to improve outcomes.
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Radiation plus a patient’s own immune cells to boost cholangiocarcinoma treatment
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This project builds a new mouse model to help make immune-based treatments work better for people with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct liver cancer.
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Understanding how tumor variety affects bile duct cancer (iCCA)
Researchers will study how differences within a single tumor and between primary and metastatic sites influence disease progression and treatment response in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, using human samples and mouse models.
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Using radiation and your own immune cells to boost immunotherapy for intrahepatic bile-duct (liver) cancer
This approach combines focused liver radiation, injections of your own dendritic immune cells, and two immune drugs to try to help people with unresectable intrahepatic bile-duct cancer live longer without the disease getting worse.
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Finding new treatments for bile duct cancer
This study is looking at bile duct cancer to find specific markers in the genes and proteins that could help create better treatments for patients, making it easier to fight this tough disease.
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.