Evaluating lymph nodes in patients with cholangiocarcinoma before surgery

Preoperative Evaluation of Lymph Nodes of Cholangiocarcinoma - a Registration Study

Erasmus Medical Center · NCT05678218

This study is trying to see if a special ultrasound can help doctors find out if lymph nodes are cancerous in patients with cholangiocarcinoma before they have surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 110 Years
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center (other)
Locations7 sites (Ghent and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05678218 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study aims to assess the effectiveness of preoperative endoscopic ultrasound in identifying lymph nodes in patients with presumed resectable cholangiocarcinoma. The study will focus on determining how many patients are deemed ineligible for surgery due to positive lymph nodes and will analyze the characteristics of these lymph nodes that are associated with malignancy. By utilizing endoscopic ultrasound guided tissue acquisition, the study seeks to improve surgical decision-making for patients with this type of cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with presumed resectable perihilar, intrahepatic, or mid-common bile duct cholangiocarcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of treated cholangiocarcinoma or those requiring pancreatoduodenectomy based on imaging will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the accuracy of surgical evaluations and improve outcomes for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific focus on lymph node evaluation in cholangiocarcinoma is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Presumed resectable pCCA OR
* Presumed resectable iCCA OR
* Presumed resectable mid-common bile duct CCA OR
* Presumed unresectable pCCA worked-up for Liver Transplantation AND
* Written informed consent must be given according to International Council on Harmonisation/Good Clinical Practice guidelines, and national/local regulations AND
* Age \> 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a history of treated CCA
* Patients with CCA for which a pancreatoduodenectomy is indicated, based on cross-sectional imaging
* Patients with a history of treated liver malignancy
* Patients with a contra-indication for EUS-tissue acquisition (f.e. uncorrectable coagulopathy or platelet disorder), in line with current clinical practice

Where this trial is running

Ghent and 6 other locations

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: Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma, Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma, Common Bile Duct Neoplasms, Cholangiocarcinoma, Adenocarcinoma, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Fine Needle Aspiration, Fine Needle Biopsy

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.