Tests to predict risk in children with liver tumors
Official title: Validation of Clinical Assays for Risk Stratification of Children With Pediatric Liver Neoplasms
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11124124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $333,001 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3CA271227-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children diagnosed with hepatoblastoma or pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma, especially young children under 5 for hepatoblastoma and adolescents for hepatocellular carcinoma, would be ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Children without liver tumors, adults, or patients whose tumors were not tested for the specific biomarkers in this project are unlikely to benefit directly.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez-Terrada, Dolores — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lopez-Terrada, Dolores
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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.