Liver cancer remission: is surgery still needed?

NCT ID NCT05349331

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study looked at liver cancer patients whose tumors shrank completely after non-surgical treatments like chemoembolization and immunotherapy. Researchers compared those who then had surgery to remove any remaining tissue versus those who simply watched and waited. The goal was to see which approach leads to better survival and fewer recurrences. 74 patients took part in this phase 2 trial.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Liver resection surgery
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that some liver cancer patients can safely avoid surgery after a complete response to initial therapy, reducing treatment burden.
What could go wrong: This is a small, phase 2 trial with only 74 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The watch-and-wait approach carries a risk of hidden tumor cells causing recurrence.

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.

conversion disorder 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

Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center

Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, China

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