Introduction
Prior to the founding of FCF, fibrolamellar carcinoma received minimal research attention. Back then, research on this rare liver cancer had been largely limited to basic descriptions and clinical studies of small numbers of patients. Researchers possessed neither the tools with which to study FLC in the laboratory, nor the fundamental knowledge of FLC’s cause and driving mechanism.
Committed research funding to date
Since then, FCF has committed significant funding to research studies conducted at the most prestigious and innovative research and academic institutions in the country. FCF-funded research has included a broad range of basic, translational and clinical studies (Click here to view an explanation of these three types of research).
As a leading funder of FLC research, our goal is to transform the fibrolamellar research landscape. By supporting cutting-edge research, actively recruiting new investigators to the disease, and working together to understand the origin and development of FLC, we hope to create more effective therapies and ultimately find a cure for the disease.
Research Approach
As a foundation, our research funding decisions are driven by four simple principals:
Our main objective is to find effective treatments and a cure for FLC. Because so much is still unknown about the disease, finding that cure requires:
- Funding a range of clinical, translational and basic research
- Taking educated risks, since not all initiatives will be successful.
We want our investments to make a difference and help bridge existing research gaps. With so much to be done, we:
- Prefer to support promising projects less likely to get traditional funding
- Prioritize seed funding of projects with potential long-term payoffs
- Avoid funding redundant efforts or displacing existing funding sources.
We believe the fastest path to a cure requires researchers to work together collaboratively – rapidly sharing information, materials, and expertise. We:
- Encourage collaboration between scientists and institutions with our grants program.
- Invite FLC researchers to frequent research summits where they can share ideas, resources, and solutions, and help shape FCF’s research agenda.
Because fibrolamellar is so rare, every patient’s experiences and participation is urgently needed to drive success. We’d like to catalyze that involvement in a way that can make research more efficient, effective and patient-focused. We encourage patient feedback and involvement, and strive to make decisions incorporating patient needs and perspectives.
We also work to steward donations wisely and keep a tight rein on expenses. Due to the generosity of the the Chuck and Marna Davis Foundation and Stone Point Capital which cover all the operating costs of the Foundation, 100% of all donor funds directly drive research into FLC.
Research Status
In the following video from FCF’s September 2020 Virtual Fall Gathering, Mark Furth, FCF’s Scientific Director, discusses the state of research into FLC.
Video overview of FCF’s research program. Please see our YouTube channel for other related presentations and panel discussions.
In addition, the following article published in 2022, A framework for fibrolamellar carcinoma research and clinical trials, summarizes the key advances made in understanding the disease and discusses critical actions necessary to develop effective treatments for the disease.