Comparing EUS-guided and conventional therapy to prevent rebleeding in liver cancer patients

Secondary Prevention of Variceal Rebleeding by Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Therapy Versus Conventional Endoscopic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05629845

This study is testing whether a new ultrasound-guided treatment can better prevent rebleeding in liver cancer patients compared to the usual treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shatin, New Territories)
Trial IDNCT05629845 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided therapy versus conventional endoscopic therapy in preventing variceal rebleeding in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It focuses on patients who have recently experienced variceal bleeding and have had their bleeding controlled through standard endoscopic methods. The study will compare the rates of rebleeding following these two therapeutic approaches, with a particular emphasis on the high-risk population of HCC patients. The methodology involves a multicenter approach to gather comprehensive data on patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are HCC patients aged 18 or older who have recently experienced and successfully controlled variceal bleeding.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with non-variceal sources of gastrointestinal bleeding or severe comorbidities that contraindicate endoscopy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the rates of rebleeding in HCC patients, improving their overall survival and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with EUS-guided therapies in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Consecutive HCC patients age 18 or older with recent (within 4 weeks of the episode) EV or GV bleeding successfully controlled by conventional endoscopic therapies (VBL for EV or glue injection for GV)
* Able to provide written informed consent to participate in the study and comply with the study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to provide written informed consent
* Contraindications for endoscopy due to underlying comorbidities
* HCC patients with non-variceal source of gastrointestinal bleeding
* Refractory coagulopathy (INR\>1.5) or refractory thrombocytopenia (platelets \<50,000) despite blood product transfusion
* Moribund patients from terminal illness

Where this trial is running

Shatin, New Territories

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 Hepatocellular CarcinomaVariceal Bleeding
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.