Using immunotherapy before surgery to improve outcomes in liver cancer

Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Platform Study Reveals Mechanisms of Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11093523

This study is looking at how giving immunotherapy before surgery can help boost the immune system's ability to fight liver cancer, and it's for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are preparing for surgery.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11093523 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common type of liver cancer. The study aims to enhance the body's immune response against tumors by administering immunotherapy before surgical removal of the cancer. It will evaluate different combinations of treatments, including anti-PD1 therapies, to understand how they affect tumor response and immune function. By analyzing tumor samples, researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that contribute to treatment success or resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma who are scheduled for surgical resection.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced liver cancer or those who are not candidates for surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that reduce the risk of cancer recurrence after surgery for liver cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with neoadjuvant immunotherapy in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this approach for liver cancer.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, 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.