Can an immune booster keep liver cancer away after surgery?

NCT ID NCT07553767

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Ningbo No.2 Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase study will test whether adding peginterferon alfa-2b to standard antiviral drugs can help prevent hepatitis B-related liver cancer from coming back after surgery. About 156 adults aged 18 to 65 will receive either the combination or antivirals alone. Researchers will track cancer recurrence, survival, and hepatitis B markers for up to 5 years.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Peginterferon alfa-2b (a protein injection that boosts the immune system) combined with antiviral drugs (tenofovir or similar)
What this could lead to: If it works, this combination could lower the chance of liver cancer coming back after surgery and improve long-term survival for people with hepatitis B-related liver cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a very early (Phase 1) study with only 156 people, so results are uncertain. Peginterferon can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and mood changes, and may not work for everyone.

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.

chronic hepatitis B virus infection hepatitis B virus infection hepatocellular carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEPATITIS B CHRONIC HEPATITIS B CHRONIC INFECTION HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital

Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
Ningbo Mingzhou Hospital (Affiliated to Zhejiang University)

Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
Ningbo No.2 Hospital

Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China

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