Can a quick zap after liver surgery keep cancer away?

NCT ID NCT05492136

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Hospital del Mar Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study is testing whether applying a radiofrequency device to the cut surface of the liver after tumor removal can reduce the chance of cancer returning at that spot. About 720 adults with liver cancer (either colorectal metastases or hepatocellular carcinoma) will be randomly assigned to receive either standard surgery or surgery plus this extra coagulation step. The main goal is to see if local recurrence rates are lower in the group that gets the extra treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: radiofrequency coagulation procedure
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to lower the chance of liver cancer coming back after surgery.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial testing a technique already used in practice, so the benefit may be small or none. There is also a risk of liver damage from the extra coagulation.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hepatocellular carcinoma liver cancer Liver Neoplasms Neoplasms, Second Primary secondary malignant neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CANCER, TREATMENT-RELATED LIVER CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital del Mar Research Institute
RECRUITING

Barcelona, Spain

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