Comparing microwave ablation and liver resection for early liver cancer in patients with borderline liver function
Microwave Ablation Versus Liver Resection For Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Borderline Liver Function
This study is testing whether microwave ablation or liver surgery works better for treating early liver cancer in patients with borderline liver function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 76 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shatin) |
| Trial ID | NCT03766555 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of microwave ablation versus liver resection in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients who have borderline liver function. It is a randomized controlled trial that seeks to determine which treatment option provides better outcomes for patients with early-stage HCC, particularly those who may have significant liver cirrhosis not easily detected by standard assessments. The study will include patients with tumors up to 5 cm in size and will exclude those with more severe liver dysfunction or other complicating factors. By identifying the most suitable treatment for this specific patient group, the study hopes to improve overall survival rates.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma that can be treated with either microwave ablation or liver resection and have an ALBI Grade 2 liver function.
Not a fit: Patients with severe liver dysfunction (ALBI Grade 3 or Child-Pugh B or above), multifocal tumors, or other significant health complications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma and borderline liver function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored similar treatment comparisons, but this specific approach focusing on borderline liver function is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>18 years * HCC amendable for both MWA and liver resection * Liver function of ALBI Grade 2 * Tumour size \</= 5cm * Absence of extrahepatic metastasis * Absence of radiology evidence of major vascular or bile duct invasion Exclusion Criteria: * Informed consent not available * Patients with ALBI 3, Child-Pugh B or above * Multifocal tumour * Presence of portal vein or hepatic artery thrombosis * Anticipation of concomitant procedures * Emergency hepatectomy * Ruptured HCC * Patients with chronic renal failure * Pregnant female patients
Where this trial is running
Shatin
- Prince of Wales Hospital — Shatin, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Charing CN Chong, MBChB — Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Chun Yeung, MSc
- Email: philipyeung@surgery.cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 35053933
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.