RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Prospective Cohort for Early Detection of Liver Cancer

This research wants to improve how doctors find liver cancer early in people who have cirrhosis, a serious scarring of the liver. About 3000 volunteers with cirrhosis will join a group called the 'Pearl cohort'. For four years, these volunteers will provide blood and urine samples. Doctors will also collect information about their health, including scans. By looking at these samples and information, the research team hopes to discover new tests that can spot liver cancer, called Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), sooner. Finding HCC early means treatments can start earlier, potentially leading to better outcomes. This study focuses on finding the best combination of new tests to help those most at risk.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

3,000

Start

23 Feb 2022

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2037

Cirrhosis Hepatocellular Carcinoma

What is this study about?

Imagine you have a serious liver condition called cirrhosis, which is a bit like your liver being heavily scarred. People with cirrhosis have a higher chance of developing a type of liver cancer called Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Currently, doctors try to find this cancer early, but they're always looking for better and more accurate ways to do it.

This study, called the Pearl cohort, wants to help solve that problem. Researchers are inviting about 3000 people with cirrhosis to join. For four years, they will carefully watch these volunteers to see how their health changes and if any of them develop liver cancer. They believe that by doing lots of different tests on blood and urine, along with looking at scans and other health information, they can create new and improved ways to spot liver cancer at its very first stages.

The main goal is to find a combination of new tests that are really good at telling who is most likely to get liver cancer and to find it as early as possible. Finding cancer earlier usually means there are better chances for successful treatment. This study is a chance to move closer to that goal, making a real difference for people with cirrhosis.

Key takeaways

Aims to find better ways to detect liver cancer early.
For people already diagnosed with liver scarring (cirrhosis).
Involves providing blood and urine samples over four years.
Your contribution could help improve future diagnoses.
You won't receive new treatments or medicines as part of the study.
You can leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and willing to give your permission to take part. The most important health requirement is that you must have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, which is a specific type of liver scarring. This cirrhosis can be caused by various conditions like chronic Hepatitis B or C, alcohol-related liver disease, or certain other liver problems.

Doctors have different ways to check for cirrhosis, such as special liver scans (like FibroScan), blood tests, or sometimes a liver biopsy. If you've had a diagnosis of cirrhosis based on these types of tests, you might be suitable.

However, there are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have already had liver cancer, or if you've had a liver transplant (or are waiting for one), you won't be able to participate. Also, if your cirrhosis is very severe, or if your doctor believes you have another serious health condition that might affect your participation, you would not be able to join this particular study.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of liver cirrhosis?
Have you *never* had liver cancer?
Are you *not* currently on a waiting list for a liver transplant?
Are you able and willing to give your informed consent to take part?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you'll be part of it for about four years. During this time, you will have regular visits where the study team will collect blood and urine samples from you. These samples will be used to look for signs that might indicate liver cancer or a higher risk of developing it. The researchers will also gather information about your overall health and any scans you have of your liver. You won't be given any new medicines as part of this study, as it's purely about collecting information and samples to develop better detection methods. Your existing medical care will continue as normal. You'll complete the study once the four years of follow-up are over, or if you decide to leave earlier.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health during the study itself, because the aim is to develop new detection methods for the future. However, your participation is a vital contribution to medical science and could lead to better ways to find liver cancer early for thousands of people in the future. The risks of taking part are minimal, mainly involving the discomfort of blood tests. As with any medical study, you have the right to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your regular medical care.

Locations (1)

Hepatology Clinical Trial Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a serious condition where your liver becomes scarred and damaged, which can affect how well it works.

What is HCC?

HCC stands for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, which is the most common type of liver cancer.

Will I get new treatment in this study?

No, this study is about finding new ways to detect early liver cancer, not about providing new treatments.

How long will I be in the study?

You will be followed for about four years, during which samples and health information will be collected.

Do I have to pay to join?

No, participating in this research study is completely free of charge.

How to find out more

Study Coordinator

deliver-pearl@ndm.ox.ac.uk Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.