NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how liver aging affects cancer development

Official title: Hepatic Tissue Integrity and Clonal Fitness: Key Factors in Controlling β-Catenin Induced Oncogenesis

Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11042212 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the health of liver tissue changes as we age and how that might affect the risk of developing liver cancer, especially in people with chronic liver disease, so we can better understand the connection between aging and cancer risk.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endMarch 2, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$531,656
NIH project number5R01CA289703-02
Project IDNIH-11042212 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with chronic liver disease or those at risk for liver cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients without liver disease or those who are not of advanced age may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between liver tissue integrity and the development of cancer, particularly focusing on how aging influences this process. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to understand why certain mutations in liver cells can lead to cancer over time, despite being present for years without causing disease. The study will explore how chronic liver disease may accelerate aging in the liver, potentially leading to an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients may benefit from insights into how aging impacts cancer risk and the underlying mechanisms involved.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing liver cancer in older adults.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the aging process in tissues can provide valuable insights into cancer development, suggesting that this approach may yield significant findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Font-Burgada, Joan — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Font-Burgada, Joan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.