HKUMed Finds Resmetirom May Curb 3% Annual Fatty Liver Cancer Risk by Lowering MDK
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · May 16
HKUMed Finds Resmetirom May Curb 3% Annual Fatty Liver Cancer Risk by Lowering MDK
1 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · May 16
Resmetirom suppressed tumor growth and cut MDK levels in preclinical models of fatty liver-related liver cancer, suggesting the FDA-approved MAFLD drug could help prevent cancer as well as treat liver fat and fibrosis.
Single-cell RNA sequencing of hundreds of thousands of liver and tumor cells identified the MDK pathway as a key driver of cancer formation, linking metabolic dysfunction to immunosuppression, T-cell exhaustion and tumor-promoting macrophage activity.
Combined with MDK inhibitors, Resmetirom delivered a stronger anticancer effect, further improving liver metabolism, reducing liver fat and reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment.
The findings matter because about 3% of people with fatty liver disease develop liver cancer each year, and fatty liver-related cases are rising as obesity and diabetes spread, especially in Asia where roughly one-quarter of the population is affected.
HKUMed researchers said the next step is to validate biomarkers in larger patient cohorts and design trials pairing Resmetirom with immunotherapy and targeted therapy in a prevention-first strategy for high-risk patients.
Beyond treating liver fat, could this drug's immune-boosting effects offer a new frontline defense against diet-driven cancers?
Can a single pill for fatty liver disease truly shut down the pathway to liver cancer before it even begins?
Resmetirom Reduces Liver Cancer Risk: Targeting the MDK Pathway for MAFLD-Related HCC Prevention (2025-2026 Breakthrough)
Overview
The global rise of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has led to more cases progressing to severe complications like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention. Recent studies reveal that fatty liver-related liver cancer is driven by a specific cancer-promoting pathway involving Midkine (MDK) and its receptor. Targeting this MDK pathway and modulating immune responses can improve outcomes, especially for patients who do not respond well to current immunotherapies. New research from 2025-2026 shows that Resmetirom, already approved for MAFLD, may help prevent liver cancer by disrupting this key pathway, offering hope for a prevention-first approach in liver health.