Analyzing liver tumor tissue after ablation to guide further treatment

Clinical Trial Optimizing Tumor Ablation for Liver Metastases: Rapid Tissue Analysis Allowing for Immediate Retreatment; Metabolic Imaging Biomarker Validation; and Predictive Genetic Signatures

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT04143516

This study is testing if looking at liver tumor samples after treatment can help doctors decide the best next steps for patients with liver cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT04143516 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to collect and analyze needle biopsy samples from liver metastases following a tumor ablation procedure. By identifying any remaining cancer cells in these samples, the study seeks to inform subsequent treatment decisions for patients. The methodology involves using metabolic imaging and predictive genetic signatures to optimize treatment strategies. The study will assess the effectiveness of these approaches in improving patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with liver metastases from various primary tumors who meet specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with extensive liver or extrahepatic disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for patients with liver metastases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using tissue analysis and imaging techniques for cancer treatment optimization, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of liver metastases from various primary tumors
* Confined liver disease or limited extrahepatic disease stable/controlled for at least 4 months (extrahepatic disease amenable to treatment is allowed)
* Lesions of ≤3 cm in maximum diameter
* At least one FDG-avid lesion to be treated\*\*\*
* INR \< 1.5\*
* Platelet count ≥ 50,000

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18
* Less than 5 mm distance to a structure (GI or biliary tract), that cannot be protected from ablation injury with technical modifications such as hydro or air dissection
* INR \> 1.5 that cannot be corrected with fresh frozen plasma \*\*
* Platelet count of \<50,000 that cannot be corrected with transfusion
* More than 3 tumors in the liver
* More than 5 tumors of extrahepatic disease (including mediastinal nodes and pulmonary nodules, abdominal or other lymph nodes, and bone metastasis)
* Presence of any peritoneal Carcinomatosis

  * For patients on Coumadin, general clinical guidelines for IR ablation will be followed.

    * For patients with no FDG-PET avid tumors aim 2 of the protocol will not be assessed

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Liver MetastasesOptimizing Tumor AblationRapid Tissue AnalysisMetabolic Imaging Biomarker ValidationPredictive Genetic Signatures19-332
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.