Hepatocellular carcinoma
MONDO:0007256A malignant tumor that arises from hepatocytes. Hepatocellular carcinoma is relatively rare in the United States but very common in all African countries south of the Sahara and in Southeast Asia. Most cases are seen in patients over the age of 50 years, but this tumor can also occur in younger individuals and even in children. Hepatocellular carcinoma is more common in males than females and is associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chronic alcohol abuse and cirrhosis. Serum elevation of alpha-fetoprotein occurs in a large percentage of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Grossly, hepatocellular carcinoma may present as a single mass, as multiple nodules, or as diffuse liver involvement. Microscopically, there is a wide range of differentiation from tumor to tumor (well differentiated to poorly differentiated tumors). Hepatocellular carcinomas quickly metastasize to regional lymph nodes and lung. The overall median survival of untreated liver cell carcinoma is about 4 months. The most effective treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma is complete resection of the tumor. Lately, an increasing number of tumors have been treated with liver transplantation.
Also known as: HCC, cancer, hepatocellular, carcinoma of liver, carcinoma of liver cells, carcinoma of the liver cells, carcinoma, hepatocellular, malignant, hepatoblastoma, somatic, hepatocellular adenocarcinoma
3901 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types, 1043 tagged with Hepatocellular carcinoma itself.
Follow this condition to get notified about new trialsWhere it sits in the disease tree
Browse by category →Sub-types of Hepatocellular carcinoma
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Hepatoblastoma 42 trials
2 sub-types
- Macrotrabecular hepatoblastoma 0 trials
- Mixed hepatoblastoma 0 trials
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Pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma 36 trials
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Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma 15 trials
1 sub-type
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Adult hepatocellular carcinoma 12 trials
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Hepatocellular clear cell carcinoma 0 trials
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Liver diffuse large B-cell lymphoma 0 trials
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Sclerosing hepatic carcinoma 0 trials
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Liver cancer patients get immunotherapy before surgery in new trial
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested giving immunotherapy drugs before surgery to people with liver cancer that could be removed. The goal was to see if these drug combinations could shrink the tumor or eliminate it before the operation. 62 participants took part in this early-phase trial, which ha…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Hoffmann-La Roche • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 17, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Promising combo therapy for incurable liver cancer shows potential in phase 3 trial
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested whether adding two drugs (lenvatinib and pembrolizumab) to a standard liver cancer treatment called TACE helps people with liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. About 479 participants received either the drug combo plus TACE or TACE alone. The goal was…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 05, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a smart drug starve liver tumors without harming healthy tissue?
Disease control Stopped earlyThis trial tests a new biologic called CSR02-Fab-TF, given directly into the liver's blood supply, for people with intermediate or limited advanced liver cancer that has not responded to prior treatment. The drug is designed to block blood vessels that feed the tumor while sparin…
Early phase 1 • Sponsor: Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 27, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New oil could boost liver cancer treatment
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tests a new oil called T-ACE Oil, mixed with a chemotherapy drug, for people with liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The oil is injected directly into the liver's blood vessels to block them and deliver chemo to the tumor. The trial aims to see if it is sa…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: T-ACE Medical Co., Ltd • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 20, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Liver cancer drug combo shows promise but study halted early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested whether two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, could shrink tumors in people with advanced liver cancer that had already been treated with another drug combination. The trial enrolled 15 adults whose cancer had spread or could not be removed by surge…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Academic and Community Cancer Research United • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 06, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can an IDO1 inhibitor boost immunotherapy against liver cancer?
Disease control Stopped earlyThis trial is testing whether combining an experimental IDO1 inhibitor (BMS-986205) with the immunotherapy drug nivolumab can shrink tumors or slow disease progression in people with advanced liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed. The study enrolls adults whose cancer ha…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Edward Kim • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 31, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Radiation and immunotherapy join forces against hard-to-treat liver cancer
Disease control Stopped earlyThis trial tests whether adding a precise, internal radiation treatment (166Holmium microspheres) to standard immunotherapy (atezolizumab and bevacizumab) can shrink liver tumors that cannot be surgically removed. About 10 adults with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma will re…
Sponsor: Gustave Roussy, Cancer Campus, Grand Paris • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 10, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Radioactive lipiodol takes aim at inoperable liver tumors
Disease control Stopped earlyThis phase II trial tests a targeted radiation therapy called 188Re-SSS lipiodol for people with liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed. The treatment delivers radiation directly to the tumor through the liver's blood vessels. The study aims to see how many patients' tumo…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Center Eugene Marquis • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 04, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Immunotherapy combo for liver cancer shows early promise but trial halted
Disease control Stopped earlyThis 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 nivolu…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:03 UTC
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New chemo combo targets Hard-to-Treat liver cancer
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-phase trial tested a two-step chemotherapy approach for people with a type of liver cancer (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) that cannot be surgically removed. First, patients received a standard chemo mix (mFOLFIRINOX) through the veins. Then, they got a second chemo …
Phase 2 • Sponsor: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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New radiation approach aims to treat liver tumors in patients with damaged livers
Disease control Stopped earlyThis phase I trial tested radiation therapy in 36 patients with liver cancers (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, or metastases) who also have impaired liver function from cirrhosis, chemotherapy, or surgery. The goal was to find the safest dose and understand side eff…
Phase 1 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Liver cancer drug combo vs. local therapy: trial ends early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study aimed to compare two standard treatments for people with large intermediate-stage liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed. One group would receive a combination of two immunotherapy drugs (atezolizumab and bevacizumab), while the other would receive local treatm…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Experimental cancer drug trial halted early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-stage study tested a new drug called PF-07265807 in people with advanced or metastatic solid tumors that had spread. The main goals were to find a safe dose and check for side effects. The trial was terminated early, so results are limited.
Phase 1 • Sponsor: Pfizer • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:04 UTC
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Liver cancer immunotherapy study halted early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested two immunotherapy drugs (durvalumab and tremelimumab) in people with liver cancer who were waiting for a liver transplant. The goal was to see if the drugs could safely shrink tumors and control the disease without causing organ rejection. Only 8 people took par…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: University of Cincinnati • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Cancer combo trial halted early: what we learned
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested a combination of two drugs, donafenib and KN046, in people with advanced gastrointestinal cancers that had not responded to standard treatments. The goal was to check safety and see if the drugs could shrink tumors. The trial was stopped early, and only 15 peopl…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Suzhou Zelgen Biopharmaceuticals Co.,Ltd • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:28 UTC
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New combo aims to control resistant liver cancer
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested whether adding an experimental drug (VIC-1911) to the standard drug lenvatinib could help people with liver cancer that no longer responds to lenvatinib alone. Only 5 people were enrolled before the study was stopped early. The goal was to see if the combination…
Sponsor: RenJi Hospital • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:26 UTC
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Liver cancer drug trial halted after just 3 patients
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested the drug lenvatinib in people whose liver cancer came back after a liver transplant. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors. Only 3 people joined before the study was stopped early, so we have very limited information on how well it works.
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Emory University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Liver cancer trial tests new chemo combo without embolization
Disease control Stopped earlyThis phase 2 trial tested a liver-directed chemotherapy using idarubicin mixed with lipiodol (a fatty contrast agent) injected directly into the liver artery. The goal was to see if this could control non-spreading liver cancer in 44 patients with cirrhosis. The study was termina…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: University Hospital, Montpellier • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:01 UTC
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Experimental cancer combo shows early promise but study halted
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-phase trial tested a new drug called nanrilkefusp alfa, which helps activate immune cells, both alone and combined with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab. It included 115 people with various advanced solid tumors that had stopped responding to standard treatments. The st…
Phase 1 • Sponsor: SOTIO Biotech AG • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:01 UTC
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Liver cancer drug combo put to the test – but trial stops early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis phase 3 trial compared a combination of two drugs (regorafenib and pembrolizumab) with standard locoregional therapies (TACE or TARE) as a first treatment for intermediate-stage liver cancer that has spread beyond certain limits. The study aimed to enroll about 496 people bu…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: Translational Research in Oncology • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
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Liver cancer study halted after just 2 patients
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study aimed to see if adding electromagnetic fields to the drug regorafenib could help people with advanced liver cancer live longer without their cancer growing. It was designed for patients who had already tried other treatments. However, the study was stopped early after …
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:10 UTC
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Promising cancer combo trial halted early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested a new drug (BMS-986218) plus nivolumab and targeted radiation in people with advanced solid tumors that had spread. The goal was to see if this combination could help the immune system fight cancer better. Only 13 people took part before the study was stopped ea…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:09 UTC
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Could a viagra drug help fight liver cancer? new trial tests unlikely combo
Disease control Stopped earlyThis phase 2 trial tested a combination of three drugs—nivolumab (an immunotherapy), tadalafil (commonly used for erectile dysfunction), and vancomycin (an antibiotic)—in adults with liver cancer or liver metastases from colorectal or pancreatic cancers that had not responded to …
Phase 2 • Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:08 UTC
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Liver cancer drug trial halted early – what we know so far
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested a drug called cadonilimab in people with liver cancer who had surgery to remove their tumor but were at high risk of the cancer returning. The goal was to see if the drug could help keep the cancer away. The trial was stopped early, so the full results are not y…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Guangxi Medical University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:05 UTC
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Experimental cancer drug TAK-500 tested in 61 patients – study halted early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-phase trial tested an experimental drug called TAK-500, alone or with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab, in 61 adults with advanced solid tumors like pancreatic, liver, and lung cancer. The main goals were to check safety and see if the drug could shrink tumors. The stud…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Takeda • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:13 UTC
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Experimental cancer drug trial halted early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested a new drug called SAR444200, alone or with other cancer treatments, in 33 adults with advanced solid tumors that had spread and were not responding to standard therapy. The main goals were to check safety and find the right dose. The trial was terminated early, …
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Sanofi • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:11 UTC
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New cancer drug OC-001 tested in advanced tumors – trial ends early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-phase trial tested an experimental drug called OC-001, given alone or with the immunotherapy avelumab, in 73 people with various advanced or metastatic cancers (like lung, breast, and bladder cancer). The main goals were to check safety and how the drug moves through t…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Ocellaris Pharma, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:11 UTC
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Proton beam therapy tested for liver cancer – early results show promise and risks
Disease control Stopped earlyThis phase II trial tested a precise type of radiation called proton beam therapy in 9 people with liver cancer. The goal was to see if it could control the cancer while limiting damage to the liver. The study was stopped early, so the findings are limited, but early data suggest…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:07 UTC
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Liver cancer combo trial halted early – only 18 patients enrolled
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested whether adding a stronger chemotherapy infusion (HAIC-TACE) to the targeted drug donafenib works better than standard treatment for people with intermediate-stage liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The trial was stopped early and only included 18 pa…
Phase 2/3 • Sponsor: Peking University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
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Experimental drug combo for advanced liver cancer tested, but trial stopped early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-stage study tested a new drug combination (TQB2223 plus penpulimab) in 22 adults with advanced liver cancer. The goal was to see if the treatment was safe and could shrink tumors. However, the trial was terminated early, so results are limited.
Phase 1 • Sponsor: Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:59 UTC
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Promising cancer combo trial halted early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested a new drug called SOT101 (nanrilkefusp alfa) combined with pembrolizumab in 166 people with advanced solid tumors like lung, colon, and ovarian cancer. The goal was to see if the combo could shrink tumors. The trial was stopped early, so results are limited.
Phase 2 • Sponsor: SOTIO Biotech AG • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:58 UTC
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Experimental cancer drug INCB062079 tested in early trial
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-phase trial tested a new drug called INCB062079 in 25 people with advanced liver cancer and other solid tumors. The main goal was to check safety and find the best dose. The study was terminated early, so results are limited.
Phase 1 • Sponsor: Incyte Corporation • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:55 UTC
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Experimental cancer drug trial halted early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-stage study tested a new drug called HFB301001 in 31 adults with advanced solid tumors (like sarcoma, kidney cancer, or melanoma) that had not responded to prior treatments. The main goal was to check the drug's safety and find the best dose. The study was terminated, …
Phase 1 • Sponsor: HiFiBiO Therapeutics • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:55 UTC
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Liver cancer drug combo study halted early
Disease control Stopped earlyThis study tested a new way to deliver an immune-boosting drug (SD-101) directly into the liver along with standard immunotherapy for people with advanced liver cancer. It included 23 adults whose cancer had not responded to prior treatment. The goal was to find a safe dose and s…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: TriSalus Life Sciences, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:55 UTC
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Experimental liver cancer drug shows promise in early trial
Disease control Stopped earlyThis phase 2 trial tested a drug called Taxoprexin (DHA-paclitaxel) in 13 people with advanced liver cancer that had not responded to prior treatments. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors and how safe it was. The study was terminated early, so results are limited.
Phase 2 • Sponsor: American Regent, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
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Liver cancer combo trial halted early – what it means
Disease control Stopped earlyThis 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 …
Phase 2 • Sponsor: NYU Langone Health • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
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Radioactive beads aim to shrink untreatable liver tumors
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early trial tested the safety and effectiveness of radioactive beads (Holmium-166 microspheres) in 4 adults with liver cancer that could not be removed by surgery or transplant. Participants first received a small scout dose to check for proper placement, then a personalized…
Sponsor: Imperial College London • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 19:18 UTC
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Experimental immune cell therapy for liver cancer hits early roadblock
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-stage trial tested a new type of immune cell therapy (ET140203 T cells) in 8 adults with advanced liver cancer that had not responded to other treatments. The therapy was designed to target a protein called AFP found on cancer cells. The study was terminated early, so …
Phase 1 • Sponsor: Eureka Therapeutics Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 15:13 UTC
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New drug combo tested for Hard-to-Treat cancers
Disease control Stopped earlyThis early-phase trial tested an experimental drug called INCA00186, alone or with other immunotherapy drugs, in people with advanced solid tumors such as head and neck or gastrointestinal cancers. The study aimed to find safe doses and check for early signs of effectiveness. It …
Phase 1 • Sponsor: Incyte Corporation • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 12:43 UTC
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Blood RNA may reveal hidden liver cancers
Diagnosis Stopped earlyThis study looked at whether tiny bits of RNA in the blood can serve as markers for liver disease and liver cancer. Researchers collected blood samples from nearly 1,900 people with liver cancer, cirrhosis, or chronic liver disease. The goal was to see if these RNA markers could …
Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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GPS and glowing dye aim to make liver biopsies more accurate
Diagnosis Stopped earlyThis study tested a new method to improve liver biopsies for people with suspected liver cancer. It combined a GPS-like tracking system with a special dye (ICG) that makes cancer cells glow. Seven adults participated, and the goal was to see if this combination could help doctors…
Sponsor: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:01 UTC
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Can a smartphone app ease cancer treatment side effects?
Symptom relief Stopped earlyThis study tested whether a digital health app (Roche DPM Module) helps cancer patients manage symptoms and reduce healthcare visits while on systemic treatment. About 49 participants used the app alongside standard care. The trial was terminated early, so results are limited.
Phase 2/3 • Sponsor: Hoffmann-La Roche • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:55 UTC
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Could a genetic marker guide future cancer therapies in taiwan?
Knowledge-focused Stopped earlyThis study is measuring how often a specific genetic marker (HLA-A*02:01) and a cancer-related protein (NY-ESO-1) appear in Taiwanese patients with solid tumors like head and neck, liver, lung, breast, and esophageal cancers. By understanding these frequencies, researchers hope t…
Sponsor: PharmaEssentia • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 24, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Blood test hope for liver cancer diagnosis
Knowledge-focused Stopped earlyThis study looked at whether two tiny molecules, called miR-221 and miR-222, can be found in the blood of people with liver cancer. Researchers wanted to see if these molecules could help diagnose the disease without needing a liver biopsy. The study was very small, with only 10 …
Sponsor: University of Aberdeen • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:31 UTC
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Radiation therapy study seeks immune clues in blood
Knowledge-focused Stopped earlyThis study followed 28 adults with liver, colorectal, melanoma, or kidney cancers who received high-dose radiation therapy. Researchers collected blood samples before, during, and after treatment to track immune cells and other markers. The goal was to learn how the immune system…
Sponsor: Centre Oscar Lambret • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:01 UTC
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Cancer gene hunt: could tumor maps guide better GI cancer treatment?
Knowledge-focused Stopped earlyThis study looked at genetic mutations in tumors from 565 people with advanced gastrointestinal cancers, including liver, bile duct, gallbladder, pancreas, esophagus, and stomach cancers. The goal was to see how often these mutations could be targeted by existing drugs and to tra…
Sponsor: Institut für Klinische Krebsforschung IKF GmbH at Krankenhaus Nordwest • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:02 UTC
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Cancer tissue bank launched to unlock secrets of liver tumors
Knowledge-focused Stopped earlyThis study aimed to create a registry of tissue and blood samples from 1,000 patients undergoing surgery or biopsy for liver or bile duct tumors. The samples were stored for future research to better understand these cancers and develop new treatments. The study was terminated ea…
Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:09 UTC
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Liver cancer study seeks immune clues to immunotherapy success
Knowledge-focused Stopped earlyThis study aimed to see if certain immune cells in the blood could predict which patients with advanced liver cancer would benefit from a combination of immunotherapy drugs (Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab). Researchers planned to measure these cells before and after starting treatm…
Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
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New scan could help doctors plan better liver cancer treatments
Knowledge-focused Stopped earlyThis study tested a special type of scan (SPECT/CT) to see how well it measures liver function in people with liver cancer who are getting radiation or surgery. The goal was to learn if this scan can help doctors see which parts of the liver are working well before, during, and a…
Sponsor: University of Washington • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:56 UTC
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New device aims to sharpen liver tumor ablation
Knowledge-focused Stopped earlyThis pilot study tested a device called BioTraceIO 360, designed to help doctors plan and monitor procedures that destroy liver tumors using heat. The study planned to enroll 30 people with liver cancer, but only 4 participated before it was stopped early. Researchers looked at w…
Sponsor: Techsomed Medical Technologies LTD • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 17:06 UTC