Cell-free tsRNA signature to detect early liver cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study collects pre-treatment blood samples from patients with histologically confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma at City of Hope to develop a liquid biopsy based on cell-free tsRNAs. Investigators will use small RNA sequencing to identify candidate cf-tsRNA markers and then validate selected signatures with RT-qPCR. The work aims to produce a sensitive, noninvasive assay to improve detection of early-stage HCC where current markers like AFP have limited sensitivity. Findings will be compared to clinical staging and standard diagnostic work-ups to see how well the cf-tsRNA signature distinguishes early disease.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 100 years.
* A histologically confirmed diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
* A clinically diagnosed as chronic liver disease, including chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, without evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
* Healthy volunteers without known liver disease or malignancy.
* Received standard diagnostic and staging procedures as per local guidelines
* Availability of blood or other biospecimens.
* Ability to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lack of or inability to provide informed consent
* History of other active malignancies within the past 5 years
* Previous liver transplantation
* Severe systemic infection or inflammatory disease at the time of enrollment
* Inadequate sample quality or quantity

Where it's running

• City of Hope Medical Center
  Duarte, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Goel Ajay, PhD
• Email: ajgoel@coh.org
• Phone: 626-218-3452

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.