Using statins to prevent liver cancer
Trial of Statins for Chemoprevention in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
This study is looking at whether atorvastatin, a medication often used for cholesterol, can help prevent liver cancer in people who are at risk, by reducing inflammation and stopping cancer cells from growing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10919210 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of atorvastatin, a type of statin, to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common and deadly liver cancer. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of atorvastatin in reducing liver inflammation and cancer cell growth. Patients will be monitored over time using a newly developed 186-gene expression biomarker to evaluate their risk of developing HCC. The goal is to provide a viable preventive strategy for individuals at risk of liver cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have cirrhosis or other risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have liver disease or those with advanced liver cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new preventive treatment for individuals at high risk of developing liver cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have shown promising results for statins in reducing liver cancer risk, but this trial represents a novel approach to confirm these findings through rigorous testing.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Raymond T — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chung, Raymond T
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.