Immunotherapy combo for liver cancer shows early promise but trial halted

NCT ID NCT03630640

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested the immunotherapy drug nivolumab (Opdivo) given before and after a procedure called electroporation for people with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) that could still be treated with curative intent. The study aimed to see if adding nivolumab could reduce the chance of cancer coming back within a year. However, the trial was terminated early after enrolling 43 participants, so the full results are not available. The approach remains experimental.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Nivolumab (Opdivo)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could improve local control of advanced liver cancer after electroporation, potentially reducing recurrence.

What could go wrong

The trial was terminated early with only 43 participants, so results are limited. Immunotherapy can cause immune-related side effects, and the combination may not improve outcomes over standard care.

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

  • Hôpital Jean Verdier

    Bondy, 93140, France