RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Deep Liver Phenotyping and Immunology Study

This study wants to improve how we find liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, which are often found too late. These cancers typically don't cause symptoms early on, even in people with existing liver conditions who are regularly monitored. If we can find these cancers sooner, more patients could get life-saving treatments such as surgery. Researchers will collect blood, urine, and small liver samples from people with liver cancer and those with other liver diseases. By comparing these samples, they hope to identify early signs in the body that indicate a higher risk of developing liver cancer. This could include changes in immune cells or tiny pieces of DNA released by unhealthy liver cells, helping to develop new tests for early detection.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

100

Start

12 Mar 2021

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2040

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cholangiocarcinoma

What is this study about?

Liver cancers, like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma, are serious conditions that are often discovered at a late stage because they don't cause symptoms until they've grown quite large. This is a real problem, especially for people who already have other liver diseases, as they are at higher risk. Finding these cancers earlier could make a huge difference, allowing more people to have treatments that could cure them, like surgery or a liver transplant.

This study is trying to find new ways to spot these cancers when they are very small. The researchers believe there might be tiny changes happening in the body that could alert us to a future cancer risk. They will look at samples of blood, urine, and small pieces of liver tissue from people who have liver cancer, and compare them with samples from people who have other liver conditions but not cancer. They want to see if they can find specific early warning signs.

These warning signs could be anything from different types of immune cells in the liver to tiny bits of DNA released by struggling liver cells that show up in the blood. They'll also look for changes in waste products in urine or bile, which could signal that liver cells aren't working properly. The goal is to develop new and simpler tests that can help doctors find liver cancer much earlier, giving patients the best chance for successful treatment.

Key takeaways

Aims to find early signs of liver cancer.
Compares samples from cancer patients with those at risk.
Collects blood, urine, and some liver tissue samples.
No new treatments, solely focused on research.
Could lead to better early detection tests for liver cancer.
Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 18 and 75. To take part, you must be able to understand the study and agree to participate. You can't be pregnant if you want to join.

If you have liver cancer or doctors suspect you might have it, you could be eligible for the 'malignancy group'. If you have a long-term liver disease that isn't cancer, you could be eligible for the 'control group'.

Some parts of the study might involve taking a small liver sample using a fine needle. If you choose to do this, doctors will check your blood to make sure it's safe for you, and you must have had recent scans of your tummy. If you have certain medical conditions, a bleeding problem, or are taking blood-thinning medicines, or have fluid in your tummy, you might not be able to have this sample taken.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part?
Are you pregnant? (If yes, you cannot join).
Do you have liver cancer or chronic (long-term) liver disease?
Are you comfortable potentially providing blood and urine samples?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, the main thing you'll be asked to do is provide some samples. This includes blood and urine samples. In some cases, you might also be asked to provide a small sample of liver tissue. This liver sample is taken using a fine needle and guided by an ultrasound, which is a low-risk procedure. The researchers will compare these samples over time from people with liver cancer and those with other liver conditions. The study doesn't involve any new medicines or treatments; it's all about collecting information through samples to help understand liver cancer better. The total duration of your participation could vary, as researchers might collect samples at different times.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help future patients by leading to better ways of detecting liver cancer earlier. However, there's no direct personal medical benefit to you from being in the study, as it doesn't involve new treatments. The main risk involves giving samples, particularly the small liver sample which, while low-risk, does carry a small chance of bleeding or discomfort. You are completely free to change your mind and leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

John Radcliffe Hospital
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of liver cancers are being studied?

This study is looking at hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma, which are the two most common types of primary liver cancer.

Why is it important to find liver cancer early?

Finding liver cancer early means patients have a much better chance of successful treatment, such as surgery or a liver transplant, which can be life-saving.

What kind of samples will be collected?

Researchers will collect blood and urine samples. For some participants, a small liver tissue sample might also be taken using a fine needle.

Will I receive any new treatments in this study?

No, this study is focused on collecting samples to understand liver cancer better and does not involve giving new medicines or treatments.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Rory J Peters

rory.peters@ndm.ox.ac.uk +441865220077 Official trial record

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