Why liver cancer can start in fatty liver disease before cirrhosis
Matrix in pre-cirrhotic HCC
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11289381
This project looks at whether sugar-related molecules called AGEs change liver tissue in people with type 2 diabetes and NASH so cancer can begin before cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11289381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how advanced glycation end products (AGEs) — molecules that build up with poor blood sugar control — alter the liver's matrix and its physical properties. They use patient samples, animal models, and lab methods that change dietary AGE levels and AGE receptors to see how these changes affect early liver cancer formation. The team measures matrix viscoelasticity and tests whether blocking AGE production or restoring AGE-clearance receptors reverses harmful matrix changes and reduces tumor formation. Results could point to ways to prevent or slow liver cancer in people with type 2 diabetes and NASH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), especially those who do not yet have cirrhosis, are the most relevant candidates for this research.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or NASH, or those whose liver disease is caused by other factors, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal ways to prevent or reduce early liver cancer in people with type 2 diabetes and NASH by targeting AGEs or the altered liver matrix.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work, including by this team, has shown that AGE buildup links to liver injury and that reducing AGEs can improve liver disease and lower tumor burden in animals, but translating this to human treatment is still new.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TOROK, NATALIE J. — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: TOROK, NATALIE J.
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus