Combining DEBIRI with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer liver metastases

Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Irinotecan-loaded Drug-eluting Beads (DEBIRI) in Combination With Systemic Chemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy Alone in Unresectable Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Phase 3 Interventional Tehran University of Medical Sciences · NCT06555003

This study is testing if adding a special treatment called DEBIRI to regular chemotherapy can help patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver feel better and possibly have surgery later.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment116 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTehran University of Medical Sciences Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Tehran, Tehran Province)
Trial IDNCT06555003 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of combining irinotecan loaded drug-eluting beads (DEBIRI) with standard systemic chemotherapy in patients with unresectable or borderline resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer. A total of 116 chemotherapy-naïve patients will be randomly assigned to receive either the combination treatment or chemotherapy alone. The study will assess treatment response using imaging techniques and evaluate the feasibility of secondary tumor resection after treatment. Stratified randomization will control for confounding factors related to tumor characteristics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with unresectable or borderline resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases who have not received prior chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are candidates for curative surgery or have extensive liver involvement, brain metastases, or cirrhosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve survival rates and treatment outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, but this specific combination is being evaluated for the first time.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* unresectable/borderline resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases, chemotherapy-naïve for metastatic disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 2 or less adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal function ( absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 × 10\^9/L, platelet ≥ 75 ×10\^9/L, international normalized ratio ≤ 1.3, Total bilirubin ≤ 2.0 mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase ≤ 5 × the upper limit of normal (ULN), Albumin ≥ 2.5 g/dL, Creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL)

Exclusion Criteria:

* candidates for curative surgery without the need for neoadjuvant therapy, Liver involvement of ≥ 70%, brain metastases or Peritoneal carcinomatosis, cirrhosis, presence or History of an allergic reaction to any of the study drugs Chronic viral hepatitis B or C

Where this trial is running

Tehran, Tehran Province

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 NeoplasmColorectal Cancer Metastaticirinotecan loaded drug-eluting beads TACEcolorectal liver metastasessurvivalirinotecanchemoembolization
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.