New drug combo shows promise in shrinking liver tumors before surgery

NCT ID NCT05807776

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase II trial tested whether giving the immunotherapy drug tislelizumab, alone or combined with the targeted therapy lenvatinib, before surgery could help shrink liver tumors in 36 patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma. The main goal was to see if at least half of the tumor would die (tumor necrosis rate ≥50%). The study also looked at survival, side effects, and whether the drugs delayed surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: tislelizumab and lenvatinib
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could shrink liver tumors before surgery, potentially improving outcomes and reducing recurrence.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 36 participants. Results may not apply to all patients, and side effects from the drugs could delay surgery.

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.

hepatocellular carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

RESECTABLE HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital

Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, 300060, China

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