Cryobiopsy for diagnosing malignant biliary obstruction

Endobiliary Percutaneous Cryobiopsy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Not applicable Interventional Brno University Hospital · NCT06047990

This study is testing a new way to take tissue samples from patients with blocked bile ducts to see if a freezing method works better than the usual method for diagnosing cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBrno University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brno)
Trial IDNCT06047990 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of endobiliary cryobiopsy in patients with malignant biliary stenosis who cannot undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP). It involves percutaneous transhepatic drainage (PTD) to collect biopsy samples, comparing cryobiopsy with traditional forceps biopsy. Patients will be randomized to determine the order of the two biopsy methods to minimize bias in results. The goal is to provide a reliable diagnostic method for patients with unverified biliary obstruction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with biliary stenosis of unknown etiology who have had unsuccessful or unfeasible ERCP and require percutaneous transhepatic drainage.

Not a fit: Patients with histologically verified biliary stenosis or an INR of 1.5 or higher will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment options for patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of cryobiopsy is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving biopsy techniques in challenging cases.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* biliary stenosis of unknown etiology
* unsuccessful or unfeasable ERCP
* indicated percutaneous transhepatic drainage

Exclusion Criteria:

* histologically verified biliary stenosis
* INR ≥ 1,5

Where this trial is running

Brno

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 Biliary Tract CarcinomaBiliary Obstructioncryobiopsybiliary obstructionpercutaneous transhepatic drainage
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.