Using immunotherapy before surgery for liver cancer

Preoperative immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

['FUNDING_R21'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-10852872

This study is looking at how a special drug called regorafenib can help boost the effectiveness of an immune therapy for people with liver cancer before they have surgery, with the goal of reducing the chances of the cancer coming back afterward.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorEMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10852872 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of immunotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before surgical removal of the tumor. It focuses on understanding how a specific drug, regorafenib, can enhance the effectiveness of an anti-PD-L1 antibody therapy by targeting immune cells that contribute to tumor growth and recurrence. The study aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing the chances of cancer returning after surgery through a combination of therapies that address immune resistance. Patients will be monitored for changes in their immune response and tumor characteristics during the treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with high-risk hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with large tumors, multifocal disease, or vascular invasion.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma or those who are not surgical candidates may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the recurrence of liver cancer after surgery, improving survival rates for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with immunotherapy approaches in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for liver cancer.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.