Using statins to reduce liver cancer risk in patients with cirrhosis
Official title: Therapeutic modulation of a proteomic HCC risk signature with statins in patients with liver cirrhosis
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10934594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $323,446 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA288375-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis who are at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver cirrhosis or those who do not have a risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with statins in reducing HCC risk, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoshida, Yujin — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hoshida, Yujin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Liver Cirrhosis Network: Centers for Clinical Research
A multicenter study in people with cirrhosis from different causes (including HIV, NASH, and alcohol-related liver disease) to collect data and samples and test new ways to predict and monitor disease progression.
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Liver Cirrhosis Network: Mayo Clinic's Clinical Research Center
A Mayo Clinic-led project will follow and help people with compensated cirrhosis, using data, imaging, and a big AI tool to predict when complications may happen and test whether a statin can improve outcomes.
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Liver Cirrhosis Network: Longitudinal and Clinical Trial Studies
A network-wide NIH study focused on understanding cirrhosis better to prevent complications and improve care for people with advanced liver disease.
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Liver Cirrhosis Network: Coordinating Data for Better Care
A national effort is coordinating data to improve care for people with advanced liver disease and its complications.
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Liver Cirrhosis Network coordinating cirrhosis studies and a rosuvastatin trial
This project follows people with liver cirrhosis over time and tests whether the cholesterol medicine rosuvastatin helps people with cirrhosis.
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First-in-class treatment for liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension
A new therapy called XFB19 aims to reduce liver inflammation and scarring in people with advanced liver disease and portal hypertension.
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.