Comparing blood samples from cancer-draining veins to standard veins in patients with liver and pancreatic cancers
Official title: Pilot Trial Comparing Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) From Immediate Draining Vein vs. Standard Peripheral Vein Sample in Patients Undergoing Biopsies for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancers
Run by University of California, Irvine · NCT05497531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if taking blood samples from veins near liver and pancreatic tumors can help find cancer DNA better than using regular veins in patients getting biopsies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Irvine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Orange, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 7, 2022 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05497531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing work-up for hepatobiliary or pancreatic carcinoma and are scheduled for a biopsy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe coagulopathy, those unable to undergo the required procedures, or those without a reachable biopsy target may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates whether detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be improved by sampling from the cancer-draining vein instead of the standard peripheral vein in patients undergoing biopsies for hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. It is a prospective single-center study that aims to compare ctDNA results from both sampling methods with the standard percutaneous biopsy results. The goal is to enhance the accuracy of ctDNA detection, which could lead to better monitoring and treatment strategies for these cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the detection of ctDNA, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment monitoring for patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving ctDNA detection, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Have or are undergoing work-up for hepatobiliary and/or pancreatic carcinoma (such as hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma) * Scheduled for an image-guided percutaneous or trans-jugular biopsy of a lesion * Must be able to provide a written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients unable to hold reasonably still on a procedure table or hold their breath during imaging or needle passes * Patients with a gross body weight over 375 pounds (upper limit of the CT and angiography tables) * Patients with uncorrectable coagulopathy * Platelet count \< 30,000/ul * International Normalized (INR) \> 1.5 * Patients with moderate to severe ascites who cannot undergo trans-jugular biopsy or sufficient drainage * No clear reachable target for percutaneous or trans-jugular biopsy * Patient who cannot have a peripheral blood draw for ctDNA
Where it's running
-
Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine
Orange, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh, MD — Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California, Irvine
- Email: ucstudy@uci.edu
- Phone: 1-877-827-7883
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
68Ga-SorB PET/CT imaging for solid tumors
This study tests a new PET tracer called 68Ga-SorB to see if it can safely and accurately detect tumors in adults with melanoma, liver, lung, breast, pancreatic, ovarian cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma.
-
Navigating Care for Liver Cancer Patients
This study is trying to learn about the experiences of liver cancer patients to create a better support program that helps them and their families manage their care.
-
GLP-1 RA plus standard treatment in first-line metastatic GI cancers
This early-phase trial tests whether adding a GLP-1 receptor agonist to standard first-line chemotherapy is safe and feasible for people with metastatic pancreatic, colorectal, or liver cancer.
-
CAIX-targeted 18F-T2 PET/CT imaging in solid tumors
This study tests a CAIX-specific radioactive tracer to see if PET/CT can help visualize solid tumors and checks safety and radiation exposure in adults with certain cancers.
-
Laryngopharyngeal injuries after breathing tube placement during general anesthesia
This project sees how often and why people who had a breathing tube during general anesthesia developed hoarseness or other throat problems after non-ear–nose–throat surgery.
-
In-home cancer treatment with remote specialist support for patients in the Florida Panhandle
This program will try giving standard cancer treatments at home to people living in the Florida Panhandle and nearby areas to see if they prefer it and have better treatment satisfaction.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.