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CORDIS

Metabolic Hepatoprotection to Enable Curative Cancer Therapy in Patients with Vulnerable Livers

Objectif

SAFE-LIVER aims to establish proof-of-concept for a first-in-class metabolic hepatoprotectant that enables safe delivery of cancer therapies in patients with compromised liver function. Liver toxicity is a major barrier to curative cancer therapy. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy frequently cause hepatic injury that limits treatment intensity or excludes patients entirely. This problem is particularly severe in patients with pre-existing liver disease such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects ~25–35% of adults globally. As a result, many patients with liver tumours or liver metastases cannot safely receive potentially curative therapy. Currently, no effective pharmacological hepatoprotectant exists.
Building on discoveries from my ERC Advanced Grant TETHER, we identified the mitochondrial enzyme ECHDC2 as a previously unrecognized regulator of oxidative stress and radiotherapy response. Genetic loss of ECHDC2 increases malonyl-CoA, suppresses mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation, and activates an endogenous NRF2-mediated antioxidant program. Importantly, Echdc2 knockout mice are viable and display significantly reduced DNA damage in the liver after irradiation, demonstrating intrinsic hepatoprotection.
SAFE-LIVER will determine whether transient inhibition of ECHDC2 can protect the liver during cancer therapy without compromising tumor control. We will validate genetic protection in Echdc2-deficient mice, demonstrate pharmacological feasibility using liver-targeted GalNAc-siRNA and pathway modulators, and define the therapeutic window in tumor-bearing models.
If successful, SAFE-LIVER will enable safer radiotherapy and other hepatotoxic cancer treatments in patients with vulnerable livers, expand access to curative therapies, and create a first-in-class platform for metabolic organ protection. The project will also generate the translational data required to advance the technology towards industrial partnership and clinical development.

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Programme(s)

Thème(s)

Régime de financement

HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants

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Appel à propositions

(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) ERC-2026-POC

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Institution d’accueil

UNIVERSITAET BERN
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 150 000,00
Adresse
HOCHSCHULSTRASSE 6
3012 Bern
Suisse
Région
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Espace Mittelland Bern / Berne
Type d’activité
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Liens
Coût total
Aucune donnée

Bénéficiaires (1)