Targeting EZH2 to slow or stop liver cancer
Role of EZH2 as a Driver and Therapeutic Target of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
See if blocking a protein called EZH2 can slow or stop tumor growth in people with hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320820 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on a protein called EZH2 that can turn off genes that normally protect against liver cancer. They will study tumor samples from patients, grow liver cancer cells in the lab, and use mouse models to see how EZH2 drives tumor growth and affects immune cells that normally fight cancer. The team will test whether drugs that block EZH2 restore those protective genes and help immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells kill cancer cells. Findings could point to EZH2-blocking medicines as a new option for some people with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with hepatocellular carcinoma, especially those whose tumors show high EZH2 activity or who have limited treatment options, would be the primary candidates for related clinical testing.
Not a fit: People with other types of liver tumors, tumors that do not depend on EZH2, or those with very advanced liver failure may not benefit from EZH2-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted treatments that slow tumor growth and improve outcomes for some liver cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that inhibit EZH2 have shown clinical benefit in other cancers and recently received FDA approvals, but applying these drugs to liver cancer is newer and still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelliher, Michelle Alice — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Kelliher, Michelle Alice
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 below.