New drug combo before liver surgery shows promise in early trial

NCT ID NCT04721132

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase II trial is testing whether giving two drugs—atezolizumab (an immunotherapy) and bevacizumab (which blocks blood vessel growth)—before surgery can help prevent liver cancer from returning. The study enrolled 16 adults with resectable liver cancer. The main goals are to see how many patients have no cancer cells left in the removed tumor and to check for side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
atezolizumab and bevacizumab (immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic drugs given intravenously)
What this could lead to
If it works, this approach could reduce the chance of liver cancer coming back after surgery, potentially improving long-term outcomes.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 16 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The combination can cause immune-related side effects and bleeding risks.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Houston Methodist Hospital

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

  • M D Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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