Understanding why some liver cancer patients stop responding to cabozantinib treatment
Official title: Elucidating molecular mechanisms of cabozantinib resistance in liver cancer
Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-11049149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some liver cancer patients stop responding to cabozantinib, a medicine that helps treat their condition, so we can find better ways to help those who aren't getting the results they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Maywood, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $77,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA289838-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who have been treated with cabozantinib and are experiencing resistance to the drug.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver cancer who have not been treated with cabozantinib or those with early-stage liver cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind the resistance that some liver cancer patients develop against cabozantinib, a medication used to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved, the study aims to uncover why certain patients do not respond to this treatment or lose their response over time. The approach includes analyzing cancer cells and their interactions with the drug to identify potential biomarkers or pathways that contribute to resistance. This knowledge could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients who are currently facing limited options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for liver cancer patients who are resistant to cabozantinib, potentially improving their survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in identifying resistance mechanisms in cancer treatments, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University Chicago
Maywood, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qiu, Wei — Loyola University Chicago
- Study coordinator: Qiu, Wei
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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.