Targeting a specific survival mechanism in liver cancer treatment
Official title: Targeting Ischemia-Induced Autophagy Dependence in hepatocellular Carcinoma through Image-guided Locoregional Therapy
Funded at Philadelphia VA Medical Center · NIH-10841397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with liver cancer by using a drug called hydroxychloroquine to make a common treatment, called transarterial embolization, work better by targeting how cancer cells survive during the treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Philadelphia VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002542-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10841397 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who are undergoing or are candidates for transarterial embolization treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma or those who do not qualify for transarterial embolization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer, by focusing on how cancer cells survive during a common treatment called transarterial embolization (TA(C)E). The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of TA(C)E by using a drug called hydroxychloroquine to target the cancer cells' reliance on a survival process known as autophagy. By understanding and manipulating this process, the researchers hope to improve treatment outcomes for patients with unresectable HCC. The project will involve both laboratory studies and clinical applications to assess the potential benefits of this combined therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and better treatment options for patients with advanced liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promise in targeting autophagy in cancer cells, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gade, Terence P — Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gade, Terence P
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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.