Modified virus injected into tumors shows promise for liver cancer

NCT ID NCT00554372

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested a modified virus called JX-594 (Pexa-Vec) in 30 people with liver cancer that could not be surgically removed. The virus was injected directly into the liver tumors to see if it could stop the cancer from growing. Researchers measured how many patients had their disease controlled at 8 weeks and checked for side effects at two different dose levels.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

JX-594 (Pexa-Vec), a modified virus injected directly into tumors

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a new way to control liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants. The virus may not shrink tumors or could cause serious side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hepatocellular carcinoma Liver Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Billings Clinic Cancer Center

    Billings, Montana, 59101, United States

  • Mayo Clinic

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

  • McMaster University Medical Centre

    Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 1Y3, Canada

  • Moores UCSD Cancer Center

    La Jolla, California, 92093, United States

  • Pusan National University Hospital

    Busan, South Korea

  • Samsung Medical Center

    Seoul, South Korea

  • Shin Chon Severance Hospital / Yonsei University Medical Center

    Seoul, South Korea

  • The Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Liver Cancer Center

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States