Tests to predict risk in children with liver tumors
Validation of Clinical Assays for Risk Stratification of Children With Pediatric Liver Neoplasms
This project is creating lab tests to help doctors tell which children with liver tumors need stronger treatment and which can avoid it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124124 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is confirming a set of molecular biomarkers they previously found that separate low- and high-risk hepatoblastoma and pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma. They will turn those biomarkers into certified clinical assays and test how well the assays classify tumor risk using tumor samples, medical records, and statistical models. Work includes retrospective analysis of past patient samples and may include testing the assays in current patients treated at Baylor and partner centers to refine predictions. The goal is to create reliable lab tests doctors can use at diagnosis to guide whether a child needs aggressive chemotherapy, surgery, or less intensive care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children diagnosed with hepatoblastoma or pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma, especially young children under 5 for hepatoblastoma and adolescents for hepatocellular carcinoma, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children without liver tumors, adults, or patients whose tumors were not tested for the specific biomarkers in this project are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tests could help personalize treatment so children who need aggressive therapy get it and others avoid unnecessary toxicity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous retrospective studies and initial biomarker work by this team showed promise, but prospectively validated clinical assays for these pediatric liver tumors are still limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez-Terrada, Dolores — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lopez-Terrada, Dolores
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.