Using nanoparticles to prevent liver cancer caused by alcohol consumption
Official title: Multifunctional Nanoparticle Platform to Prevent Alcohol-Associated HCC Development
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-10880655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use tiny particles to help treat alcohol-related liver disease and lower the risk of liver cancer by delivering medicine directly to the right liver cells, making it easier for the treatment to work better than what’s currently available.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $406,851 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA283937-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of heavy alcohol consumption who are at risk of developing liver fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have liver disease unrelated to alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of nanoparticle platform designed to treat alcohol-related liver disease and prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The approach involves targeting specific liver cells to deliver anti-fibrotic drugs and facilitate better penetration into fibrotic liver tissue. By activating certain receptors in the liver, the nanoparticles aim to reduce inflammation and fibrosis, which are key contributors to cancer development. This innovative method seeks to provide a more effective treatment option compared to current non-specific therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a targeted treatment that significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer in patients with alcohol-related liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary investigations by the research team have shown promising results with similar nanoparticle approaches, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menon, Jyothi Unnikrishna — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Menon, Jyothi Unnikrishna
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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.