Targeting a specific protein signaling pathway to treat fibrolamellar carcinoma
Official title: Targeting PLK1 signaling for the treatment of fibrolamellar carcinoma
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10874571 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $449,616 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA273081-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874571 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults diagnosed with fibrolamellar carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of liver cancer or those who do not have fibrolamellar carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gujral, Taran Singh — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Gujral, Taran Singh
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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.