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Scientists uncover how cells surrounding primary liver tumors may help fuel cancer

Scientists have identified a pathway in liver cells that may explain how statins could help prevent or slow the development of liver cancer associated with fatty liver disease. Statins reduced levels of GGPP, a molecule that helps activate Rho GTPases, proteins involved in regulating a cell's internal structure and signaling.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHepatology Communications·DateSep 10, 2026

Protein linked to cell death may also drive liver cancer

Research identifies MLKL as a protein that helps drive liver cancer associated with obesity-related fatty liver disease by reducing mitochondrial function, promoting tumor development. Removing MLKL reduces liver tumors but not fatty liver or liver inflammation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

Mini-tumors reveal new drug combinations for liver cancer

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed new drug combinations for liver cancer using mini-tumors, which retained key characteristics of the original tumor. The study identified several potent anti-tumor effects and combination therapies that could be effective despite significant biological differences between tumors.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 2, 2026

Major study reveals key differences in bowel cancer before 50

Researchers analyzed data from 1,691 Australians with liver-spreading bowel cancer, finding younger patients had distinct tumour characteristics and lived longer after treatment. Genetic mutations such as BRAF and KRAS were associated with poorer outcomes across both age groups, highlighting the importance of genetic testing.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 31, 2026

UMass Amherst researchers combine bacteria and viruses to demonstrate a new way to fight cancer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have designed a new therapy that combines engineered Salmonella bacteria with oncolytic viruses to target liver and pancreatic cancer. The treatment showed promising results in animal models, leading to significant tumor reduction and improved survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 3, 2026

New global analysis confirms alcohol’s complex relationship with health: clear cancer risks and chronic liver diseases at any level, mixed evidence for other cardiometabolic conditions

The study found high-risk associations between alcohol use and all ten cancers examined, with risk increasing progressively as intake rose. Low-to-moderate drinking was associated with lower disease risk for type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.

Risk factors and biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated hepatotoxicity: emerging insights and future perspectives

Immune checkpoint inhibitors can cause immune-related hepatotoxicity, which is associated with female sex, younger age, Asian ethnicity, chronic liver disease, specific cancers, dual ICI therapy, and concurrent hepatotoxic drugs. Promising biomarkers include blood cell counts, CRP, autoantibodies, cytokines, SNPs, HLA types, and gut mi...

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 22, 2026

AACR: New platform uses machine learning to predict responses in patients with lung cancer

Researchers developed an AI model called Path-IO that uses machine learning to predict responses to immunotherapy for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The model accurately stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, with patients in the high-risk group having double the risk of death or disease progression.

Mount Sinai researchers publish landmark cell review defining the “hallmarks of liver cancer”

The study provides a roadmap for understanding and treating liver cancer by identifying key biological processes that enable tumors to grow and spread. It highlights the potential for precision medicine approaches, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies, to improve outcomes for patients with liver cancer.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 16, 2026

Mount Sinai performs first-in-the-world liver cancer treatment using more flexible scheduling approach

The Mount Sinai Hospital has pioneered a new minimally invasive liver cancer treatment method that allows doctors to treat patients on more days of the week, improving access and reducing wait times. This breakthrough innovation, called TheraSphere Y-90 Any Day Dosing, enables flexible scheduling and seamless care coordination.

Pesticides and cancer: A study reveals the biological mechanisms behind an environmental health risk

A study published in Nature Health reveals a strong link between pesticide exposure and the risk of developing certain cancers. The research shows that pesticide exposure increases the risk of cancer by 150% in areas with high levels of pollution, and highlights early biological effects before cancer develops.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 1, 2026

A machine learning model may enable liver cancer risk prediction with routine clinical information

Researchers developed a machine learning model that analyzes patient demographics, electronic health record data, and blood test results to predict hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. The model achieved high accuracy and outperformed existing liver cancer risk prediction models, offering potential for widespread use in resource-limite...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMar 26, 2026

Heart and metabolic risk factors more strongly linked to liver fibrosis in women than men, study finds

Women with cardiometabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and high waist circumference face a higher risk of liver fibrosis, with rates increasing 11-fold and 2.8-fold compared to men. The study highlights the importance of managing these risk factors for liver health beyond heart disease prevention.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2026

Yes! The role of YAP and CTGF as potential therapeutic targets for preventing severe liver disease

A study from The University of Osaka reveals a molecular pathway connecting liver congestion to liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and liver tumorigenesis. Researchers identified increased activity of YAP and CTGF in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells as key molecules involved in this signaling pathway.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Human liver tissue cell architecture reconstructed in 3D at a cellular level

Researchers create detailed 3D reconstructions of human liver tissue, comparing healthy and cirrhotic livers, showing dysregulation of metabolite transport, reduced specialized cells, and disruption of vascular networks. The study highlights the importance of understanding organ structure for bioprinting artificial organs.

City of Hope experts available to provide insight on the American Cancer Society’s new ‘Cancer Statistics, 2026’ report

The American Cancer Society's new 'Cancer Statistics, 2026' report reveals a historic milestone: US cancer survivorship has reached a record 70%, driven by major gains in cancers once considered difficult to treat. However, the report also highlights persistent disparities, concerning increases in cancer among women and younger adults.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·DateJan 13, 2026

UT Health San Antonio awarded $3 million in CPRIT grants to bolster cancer research and prevention efforts in South Texas

UT Health San Antonio received $3 million in CPRIT grants to expand access to preventive salpingectomy, test novel methods to prevent liver cancer, and advance treatment for therapy-resistant metastatic breast cancer. These projects aim to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in South Texas.

Although public overwhelmingly supports hepatitis B vaccine for a newborn, partisan differences exist

A national survey of adults found that three-quarters support vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B, but Republicans are less likely to recommend the vaccine. The survey also found that most respondents believe the vaccine protects against liver disease, and there is little evidence justifying delaying vaccination.

Mental health conditions may heighten liver cancer risk in veterans due to increased hepatitis C, UCLA study finds

A recent study by UCLA Health investigators found that mental health conditions significantly raise the likelihood of developing liver cancer among US veterans living with cirrhosis and hepatitis C. The study suggests that these disorders limit access to hepatitis C care, reducing the chance of a cure.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 3, 2025

Liver transplantation utilizing grafts donated after medical assistance in dying is feasible and has outcomes comparable to standard donation

A new study in the Journal of Hepatology shows liver transplantation from MAiD donors yields similar survival rates as standard donation after circulatory death. This practice can significantly expand the donor pool, leading to more organs available for transplant and potentially saving thousands of lives.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2025