Targeting a specific protein signaling pathway to treat fibrolamellar carcinoma

Targeting PLK1 signaling for the treatment of fibrolamellar carcinoma

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10874571

This study is looking at a rare type of liver cancer called fibrolamellar carcinoma, mainly in kids and young adults, to find out how it grows and to discover new ways to treat it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10874571 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), a rare and aggressive liver cancer primarily affecting children and young adults. The project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms driving FLC by investigating a unique protein fusion that contributes to tumor growth. Researchers will utilize innovative model systems, including patient-derived cell lines and xenograft mice, to identify potential therapeutic targets and develop new treatment strategies. By applying a systems-based approach, the study seeks to uncover druggable signaling networks that could lead to effective therapies for FLC.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults diagnosed with fibrolamellar carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of liver cancer or those who do not have fibrolamellar carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve survival rates for patients with fibrolamellar carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: While research on fibrolamellar carcinoma is limited, similar approaches targeting specific molecular pathways in other cancers have shown promising results.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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.
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.