Continuation of the Liver Cirrhosis Network

May 2024 Council

Lead Division/Office

DDN

Point(s) of Contact

Edward Doo, M.D.

Executive Summary

The Liver Cirrhosis Network (LCN) was established in Aug 2021 by the NIDDK through Request for Applications (DK-20-003 and 004) with subsequent integrated support by the NIAAA; and the NCI. The LCN was charged to address several pressing clinical issues about cirrhosis that are encompassed in the development of two studies: a refined longitudinal natural history cohort (LCN Cohort Study) and a randomized, double blind trial of statins for their effect in altering the natural history of liver cirrhosis (Rosuvastatin Efficacy and Safety for Cirrhosis in the United States (RESCU): A Double-Blind Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Study). Cirrhosis and chronic liver disease are listed as the 3rd most common disease-related cause of death in U.S. adults below the age of 75 and its prevalence appears to be rising. Cirrhosis of the liver is the outcome of many chronic liver diseases and once established, the irreversible nature places the patient at risk for significant clinical consequences such as portal hypertension, ascites, variceal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy, severe hepatic dysfunction and, most ominously, liver cancer. Liver transplantation is the only viable avenue for reversing end-stage liver disease but is a medically and resource intensive intervention not available to the majority of persons with cirrhosis. The LCN Cohort Study and RESCU were initiated within 1 and 2 years respectively from the establishment of the LCN and both are actively enrolling.