Understanding how aging increases the risk of liver cancer
Official title: Aging as a Risk Factor and Target for Prevention of Liver Cancer
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10908386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older can raise the chances of developing liver cancer and aims to find ways to help older adults stay healthier by understanding the changes in their liver as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,585,444 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG073084-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908386 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those at risk for liver cancer due to age-related factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have risk factors for liver cancer may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging and the increased risk of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It aims to understand how age-related changes in mitochondrial function, metabolism, and immune response contribute to the development of liver cancer. By exploring the underlying mechanisms of these changes, the research seeks to identify potential preventive strategies and therapies that could combat liver cancer in older adults. Patients may benefit from insights into how their age affects liver health and cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive strategies and therapies for liver cancer in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of aging in cancer development, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, Peter D. — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Adams, Peter D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Aging and liver cancer: new ways to prevent and fight hepatocellular carcinoma
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-
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How aging raises liver cancer risk and ways to prevent it
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-
Investigating how cytoplasmic chromatin fragments contribute to liver cancer during aging
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A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.
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.