Evaluating diagnostic methods for suspected hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Diagnostic Efficacy of Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine-needle Aspiration/Biopsy Versus Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography With or Without Peroral Cholangioscopy Targeted Biopsy for Suspected Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: an Open Multicenter Prospective Study

Qilu Hospital of Shandong University · NCT05993429

This study is testing which method works better for diagnosing suspected hilar cholangiocarcinoma in patients by comparing a needle biopsy technique to a different type of imaging and biopsy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorQilu Hospital of Shandong University (other)
Locations1 site (Jinan, Shandong)
Trial IDNCT05993429 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the diagnostic efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS-FNA/B) compared to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with or without peroral cholangioscopy targeted biopsy (POCS-TB) in patients suspected of having hilar cholangiocarcinoma. It will enroll patients based on imaging findings and evaluate the histopathological outcomes and complications associated with each method. Additionally, the study will analyze how the histopathological diagnosis impacts survival outcomes for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-90 with newly diagnosed suspected hilar cholangiocarcinoma based on imaging.

Not a fit: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma or those scheduled for liver transplantation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for patients with suspected hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar diagnostic approaches, but this specific comparison is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18-90 years old;
2. Newly diagnosed patients with suspected hilar cholangiocarcinoma on imaging examination

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with a definite diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma by imaging (enhanced CT, MRI, or MRCP) and surgical candidacy within 3 months;
2. Patients scheduled for liver transplantation;
3. patients with previous gastroduodenal diversion or biliary surgery;
4. Patients with hilar bile duct stenosis caused by tumor or lesion outside the bile duct;
5. Pregnant or lactating women;
6. Patients who cannot tolerate intravenous general anesthesia due to various reasons;
7. Patients with severe coagulation dysfunction, or patients who cannot stop antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy for a short time and are unsuitable for low molecular weight heparin replacement therapy;
8. Patients who refused to sign informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Jinan, Shandong

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Klatskin Tumor, Cholangiocarcinoma, Biopsy, Fine-Needle, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.