Understanding how the complement pathway affects liver cancer development in patients with metabolic dysfunction.
Official title: Dysregulated Complement Pathway in Macrophage Reprogramming and Progression of HCC in MASH
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11026533 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells and proteins might help liver cancer grow in people with a specific liver condition, and it aims to find new ways to treat this cancer by using advanced lab techniques to see how these cells and proteins interact.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | December 10, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,042 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA296642-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026533 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) who are at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic dysfunction or those who do not have liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of macrophages and the complement pathway in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The study aims to understand how the complement pathway, which typically helps regulate immune responses, may instead promote tumor growth in this context. Using innovative 3D tumor models and microfluidics systems, researchers will manipulate specific proteins to observe their effects on macrophage behavior and cancer cell interactions. This approach could reveal new insights into the mechanisms driving HCC and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that better manage or prevent liver cancer in patients with metabolic dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune environment in liver cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhanasekaran, Renumathy — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Dhanasekaran, Renumathy
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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.