Understanding how cholangiocarcinoma develops at the molecular level
Official title: Deciphering the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Cholangiocarcinoma Development
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11106737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer that affects the bile ducts, develops, especially in people with certain liver conditions, to find ways to detect it early and improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $518,219 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA300059-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11106737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with cholestatic diseases, particularly those with primary sclerosing cholangitis, who are at increased risk for developing cholangiocarcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cholestatic diseases or those who do not have a family history of biliary cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex biological mechanisms that lead to the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a type of cancer affecting the bile ducts. It aims to identify biomarkers that could enable early detection and prevention of CCA, particularly in patients with cholestatic diseases like primary sclerosing cholangitis. The study will explore the roles of specific receptors in tumor formation and the tumor microenvironment, using advanced molecular techniques to analyze cellular changes. By understanding these processes, the research seeks to improve treatment options and outcomes for patients at risk of CCA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better prevention strategies for cholangiocarcinoma, significantly improving patient survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for other types of cancers, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for cholangiocarcinoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ko, Sungjin — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ko, Sungjin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new mouse model to study intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its immunotherapy
A new mouse model helps researchers understand intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and test immune-based treatments to improve outcomes.
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Radiation plus a patient’s own immune cells to boost cholangiocarcinoma treatment
This project tests a therapy that combines precise radiation and the patient’s own dendritic cells with immune drugs to help fight intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in people who cannot have surgery.
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Worldwide genetics of bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma)
Researchers are looking for genetic patterns that raise the risk of bile duct cancer in people from diverse regions worldwide.
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MKK4 and Liver Regeneration after Major Liver Surgery
A study at Mayo Clinic will test a new drug, HRX215, to help people regrow liver tissue after major liver surgery for cancer.
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New mouse model to improve immune therapy for intrahepatic bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma) cancer
This project builds a new mouse model to help make immune-based treatments work better for people with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct liver cancer.
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Mutant IDH in bile duct cancer and its impact on immune response
A patient-facing look at how mutations in IDH1 drive bile duct cancer and how targeting this mutation could help immune cells fight the tumor.
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.