Targeting weaknesses in liver cancer (ELEVATE)
ExpLoiting thErapeutic VulnerAbilities in hepaTocEllular carcinoma (ELEVATE)
['FUNDING_P01'] · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · NIH-11159480
This program develops and combines targeted and immune-based treatments to help people with advanced liver cancer, especially cases linked to fatty liver disease (NASH).
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RICHMOND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159480 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this program aims to find new combinations of drugs that may work better for cancers tied to fatty liver disease (NASH). The team uses laboratory models (including mouse models), detailed molecular and computational analyses, and statistical support from dedicated research cores to find vulnerabilities in tumors. Multiple projects will test different drug combinations and study the tumor biology that makes some cancers resistant to current therapies. Findings could guide future clinical trials or new treatment approaches for patients like you.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma—especially those whose cancer is linked to NASH/fatty liver or who have not responded well to current treatments—are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage, surgically removable liver cancer or those without NASH-related disease are less likely to see direct benefit from this preclinical-focused program right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more effective combination therapies that overcome resistance and improve outcomes for people with NASH-related advanced liver cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Some approved combinations (for example, immunotherapy plus anti-VEGF) have helped a subset of HCC patients, but NASH-related HCC responds less well, so this program applies newer and partly untested combination approaches targeted to that group.
Where this research is happening
RICHMOND, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY — RICHMOND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SARKAR, DEVANAND — VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SARKAR, DEVANAND
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.