Using statins to reduce liver cancer risk in patients with cirrhosis

Therapeutic modulation of a proteomic HCC risk signature with statins in patients with liver cirrhosis

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10934594

This study is looking at whether taking statins, which are usually used to lower cholesterol, can help prevent liver cancer in people with liver cirrhosis by checking a special marker in their blood that shows their risk of developing cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-10934594 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how statins, commonly used cholesterol-lowering medications, may help prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with liver cirrhosis. The study focuses on a specific biomarker, the Prognostic Liver Secretome signature (PLSec), which can indicate the risk of developing HCC. By analyzing serum samples, researchers aim to determine if modulating this biomarker with statins can effectively lower HCC risk. The findings could lead to new preventive strategies for patients at high risk of liver cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis who are at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients without liver cirrhosis or those who do not have a risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis, improving their overall prognosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with statins in reducing HCC risk, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.