Understanding Liver Cancer Risk and Prevention through Blood Samples

Biospecimen & Biomarker Development Core

['FUNDING_P01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11146359

This effort collects and processes blood samples to help us better understand liver cancer risks and find ways to prevent it, especially for people with fatty liver disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11146359 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our goal is to reduce deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer, by learning more about its causes and how to prevent it. We are particularly interested in how metabolic dysfunction, often linked to fatty liver disease (MAFLD), contributes to HCC. To do this, we carefully collect, process, and store thousands of blood samples from people participating in the Texas HCC Consortium. These samples are then used to identify new markers in the blood that could help predict who is at risk for HCC or how to best prevent it.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This work involves samples from adults aged 21 and older who are participating in the Texas HCC Consortium prospective cohort.

Not a fit: Patients not participating in the Texas HCC Consortium or those without metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease may not directly benefit from this specific sample collection effort.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier detection and more effective prevention strategies for liver cancer, especially for those with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

How similar studies have performed: Collecting and analyzing biospecimens is a well-established method used in many large-scale health studies to discover disease markers and understand risk factors.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.