Study of the benefit of lenvatinib treatment in waiting list of liver transplantation after TACE failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) : Ta-Len-Tra
This research study, called Ta-Len-Tra, is for people with a type of liver cancer that can't be removed by surgery and who are waiting for a liver transplant. These patients have already had a treatment called TACE which hasn't worked well enough. The study aims to find out if taking a medication called lenvatinib (marketed as LENVIMA) can help more of these patients successfully receive a liver transplant. Researchers will also look at how effective lenvatinib is at controlling the cancer before the transplant, how the body responds to the treatment, and any side effects people might experience. It's an early-stage study to understand more about this treatment approach.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is designed for individuals who have a specific type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is the most common form of liver cancer. For these patients, surgery to remove the cancer isn't an option, and they are hoping to have a liver transplant. They’ve also already tried a treatment called TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization), which unfortunately didn't work as well as hoped.
The main goal of this research is to see if a medication called lenvatinib (sometimes known by its brand name, LENVIMA) can help these patients successfully get a liver transplant. Researchers want to understand if taking lenvatinib while waiting for a transplant can keep the cancer under control, making it more likely for patients to be eligible for and receive a new liver. They will also be carefully checking how long the cancer stays stable, how well the cancer shrinks or responds to the medicine, and how safe lenvatinib is for this group of patients.
This is an early-stage study, meaning it’s one of the first times this treatment approach is being carefully studied in this specific group of patients. The information gathered will be very important for understanding whether lenvatinib could become a helpful option for people in this situation in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study is for adults with a type of liver cancer (HCC) who are waiting for a liver transplant.
- It focuses on patients whose previous TACE treatment for liver cancer was not fully successful.
- The study tests if a medicine called lenvatinib helps patients successfully get a liver transplant.
- Researchers will also check how well lenvatinib controls the cancer and its safety.
- Both men and women aged 18 and over can be considered for the study.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to join this study, you would need to be an adult, 18 years or older, with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is a type of liver cancer. Your doctors would have already decided that surgery to remove the cancer is not possible for you, and you are on the waiting list for a liver transplant.
Crucially, you would have already received a treatment called TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) for your liver cancer, and unfortunately, this treatment would not have been fully successful in controlling the cancer.
Both men and women can take part in this study, provided they meet all other requirements set by the research team. A medical team will carefully review your health details to ensure the study is right for you.
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 18 years old or older?
- Do you have hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer?
- Are you on a waiting list for a liver transplant?
- Has your previous TACE treatment for liver cancer not worked completely?
- Are you able to take oral medication (capsules)?
- Are you happy to have regular check-ups and scans?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be given the medication lenvatinib, which comes as hard capsules that you swallow. You'll take this medicine while you are on the waiting list for a liver transplant. The study will involve regular check-ups, which include imaging scans (like MRI or CT scans) to see how the cancer is responding to the treatment and to keep an eye on your overall health.
These visits will also be used to monitor for any side effects from the medication. If you do receive a liver transplant during the study, doctors will look at the removed liver tissue. After your transplant, you will continue to have follow-up visits and imaging scans to check for any sign of the cancer returning. The exact number of visits and the total length of your participation will be explained in detail by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
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Common questions
What is lenvatinib?
Lenvatinib is a medication that targets specific proteins involved in cancer growth and development, aiming to slow down or stop the cancer from spreading.
What is TACE treatment?
TACE stands for Transarterial Chemoembolization. It's a procedure for liver cancer where chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly to the tumour, often with tiny beads to block its blood supply.
Why is this study important?
This study is important because it's looking for new ways to help people with liver cancer who are waiting for a transplant, especially when other treatments haven't worked as hoped.
Will I still get my usual medical care if I join?
Yes, joining the study will not prevent you from receiving the standard medical care you need. The study treatment is additional to your existing care plan.
What if I experience side effects?
The study team will carefully monitor you for any side effects. It's important to tell them about anything new or unusual you experience, so they can provide appropriate care and support.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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