Using statins to lower liver cancer risk in people with cirrhosis by changing a blood protein signature
Therapeutic modulation of a proteomic HCC risk signature with statins in patients with liver cirrhosis
['FUNDING_U01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11179201
This project will see if statins can change a blood protein signature and reduce the chance of liver cancer in people with cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11179201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would have blood drawn so researchers can measure a protein-based risk score called the Prognostic Liver Secretome (PLSec) and then receive atorvastatin or usual care as part of the protocol. The team will monitor how statin treatment changes the PLSec signature over time and whether those changes are linked to lower future liver cancer (HCC) risk. Because PLSec can be measured in blood and shifts with treatment, the study uses it as a faster surrogate marker for cancer prevention instead of waiting many years for cancer outcomes. Follow-up includes scheduled clinic visits and periodic blood tests to track the biomarker and overall liver health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with liver cirrhosis who do not currently have hepatocellular carcinoma and who can take a statin and attend periodic blood tests and clinic visits are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with active liver cancer, those with contraindications to statins or unsafe liver function, and children would likely not benefit from or be eligible for this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow clinicians to use a simple blood test to guide statin use and help prevent liver cancer in people with cirrhosis.
How similar studies have performed: Retrospective and laboratory studies suggest statins may lower HCC risk and early data link PLSec changes to reduced HCC, but definitive prospective clinical proof is still limited.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOSHIDA, YUJIN — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: HOSHIDA, YUJIN
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.