Liver cancer combo trial halted early – what it means

NCT ID NCT04050462

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

Summary

This phase II trial tested whether adding either BMS-986253 or cabiralizumab to the immunotherapy drug nivolumab could shrink tumors better than nivolumab alone in people with advanced liver cancer. Only 13 participants were enrolled before the study was terminated. The goal was to see if the combinations improved response rates, but the early stop limits what can be concluded.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

nivolumab combined with either BMS-986253 or cabiralizumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a more effective combination therapy for advanced liver cancer that is not treatable with surgery.

What could go wrong

This was a very small, early-phase trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. The combinations may not work better than nivolumab alone and 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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • NYU Langone Health

    New York, New York, 10016, United States

  • University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States