Massive study aims to unlock genetic secrets of pediatric liver tumors
NCT ID NCT03959800
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study is collecting genetic and molecular data from up to 1,600 children with liver cancer and their families. Researchers will analyze DNA, gene activity, and immune cells to better understand what drives these rare tumors. The goal is to improve how these cancers are classified and eventually guide more personalized treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could lead to better ways to classify and understand childhood liver cancers, potentially guiding future treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not directly lead to new therapies, and results may take years to impact patient care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 1,600 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2015
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2035
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Living or deceased individuals who were diagnosed with a liver tumor, malignant or benign, during childhood (age \<21 years) and their biological parents and siblings.
- Ages
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0 to 99 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Prior or current treatment for a childhood liver tumor, malignant or benign, at age \<21 years. * Biological parents and siblings of eligible children. Exclusion Criteria: * No prior or current treatment for a childhood liver tumor. * Non-biological parents, legal guardians, or non-biological siblings of eligible children.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15224, United States
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- AI-Enhanced ultrasound aims to catch liver cancer earlier
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- Two blood markers put to the test for early liver cancer detection
- New antibody pair takes aim at advanced liver cancer in major trial