Understanding Liver Metastasis in Cancer
Hepatic Stellate Cell Regulation of Metastatic Growth in the Liver
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11136261
This research explores how certain liver cells help cancer spread to the liver, aiming to find new ways to stop it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136261 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
When cancer spreads to the liver, it often involves a complex interaction between cancer cells and the liver's own cells. This project focuses on special liver cells called hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which can become activated and create an environment that helps tumors grow. We are working to understand how these HSCs get activated and how they get their energy, specifically looking at how they take in sugar and cholesterol. By understanding these processes, we hope to develop new strategies to target these HSCs and prevent cancer from spreading further in the liver.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients with cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, that have spread or are at risk of spreading to the liver.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer has not spread to the liver or who have other types of cancer not related to this specific mechanism may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent or slow the spread of cancer to the liver, improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds on recent scientific advances and preliminary data suggesting that targeting HSC metabolism could be a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KANG, NINGLING — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: KANG, NINGLING
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.
Conditions: Cancers