New microwave zapper aims to destroy small liver tumors without surgery

NCT ID NCT06426992

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

Summary

This study is testing a new microwave ablation device to treat small liver cancers (up to 4 cm). Doctors will use ultrasound guidance to insert a thin antenna into the tumor and apply microwave energy to heat and destroy it. The goal is to see how often the tumor is completely eliminated and how many patients remain cancer-free in the treated area after one year. The study will enroll 128 adults with liver cancer who are not candidates for or prefer to avoid surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Microwave ablation device (Starwave™ system)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a more effective, less invasive treatment option for small liver tumors, potentially reducing the need for surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a single-center study with only 128 participants, so results may not apply broadly. There is a risk of incomplete tumor destruction or recurrence, and complications like bleeding or infection can occur.

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 cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Seoul National University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Seoul, South Korea

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact