Understanding how non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progresses to liver cancer
Official title: Novel Determinants for Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease to Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Other Health Outcomes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10907751 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to get worse and possibly lead to liver cancer, so we can find better ways to prevent and treat it for people who are at risk.
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 | September 7, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $628,176 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA255809-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907751 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those showing signs of progression towards more severe liver conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those with other unrelated liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that contribute to the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) into more severe conditions, including hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer. The study aims to identify biological and environmental determinants that influence this progression, focusing on the liver's unique immune response and exposure to various substances. By analyzing patient data and liver samples, researchers hope to uncover new insights that could lead to effective prevention and treatment strategies for those at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing liver cancer in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying risk factors for liver disease progression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yuan, Jian-Min — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Yuan, Jian-Min
Related research
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Why non-alcoholic fatty liver disease turns into liver cancer or other serious problems
The team will look for biological and environmental factors in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that make the condition progress to liver cancer or end-stage liver disease.
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Towards a blood-based test using nanophotonic exosomes to screen and diagnose liver cancer
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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.