Understanding Liver Cancer Risk in Fatty Liver Disease
HCC Risk Stratification in MAFLD Cirrhosis
This work aims to better understand why some people with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and cirrhosis develop liver cancer, so we can help prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is increasingly linked to MAFLD, a condition often seen with obesity and diabetes. This project uses information and samples from a large group of over 5,000 patients with cirrhosis, most of whom have MAFLD, to find new ways to predict who is at higher risk for HCC. By looking at various metabolic factors and biomarkers, we hope to create better tools for identifying those who need closer monitoring. This will help doctors focus prevention efforts on the patients who need them most.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research are individuals diagnosed with cirrhosis, particularly those with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
Not a fit: Patients without cirrhosis or MAFLD, or those with liver cancer caused by other factors like viral hepatitis, may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to improved methods for identifying individuals with MAFLD cirrhosis who are at high risk for liver cancer, allowing for earlier detection and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between MAFLD and HCC is known, this project aims to build upon existing knowledge by identifying novel metabolic risk factors and developing more precise risk stratification models in a large, contemporary US cohort.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Serag, Hashem B — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: El-Serag, Hashem B
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 below.