Liver cancer combo trial halted early – only 18 patients enrolled

NCT ID NCT05171166

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Peking University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding a stronger chemotherapy infusion (HAIC-TACE) to the targeted drug donafenib works better than standard treatment for people with intermediate-stage liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The trial was stopped early and only included 18 participants, so the results are not reliable enough to draw firm conclusions.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Donafenib (a targeted cancer drug) and chemotherapy (oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin calcium) given via liver artery infusion
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with intermediate-stage liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed.
What could go wrong: The trial was terminated early and enrolled only 18 people, so results are very preliminary. The combination may not improve survival and could cause serious side effects from chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

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.

hepatocellular carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Peking University Cancer Hospital

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100142, China

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.