Evaluating portal vein stenting for patients with gastrointestinal cancers and vein narrowing

Prospective Evaluation of Portal Vein (PV) Stenting in Patients With PV Stenosis and Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Observational M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04629677

This study is testing if putting a stent in the portal vein can help people with gastrointestinal cancers and vein narrowing feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04629677 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of portal vein stenting in patients suffering from portal vein stenosis associated with gastrointestinal cancers. It involves two cohorts: one that receives stenting and completes quality of life assessments, and another that is reviewed retrospectively without stenting. The study will measure stent patency, clinical success duration, and impacts on liver volumes and nutritional status. The goal is to gather data that could enhance patient care and outcomes in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with significant portal vein stenosis and gastrointestinal malignancies who are undergoing standard treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with portal vein stenosis who do not have gastrointestinal cancers or those who are not eligible for stenting may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the quality of life and clinical outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal cancers and portal vein stenosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of portal vein stenting has been explored, this specific evaluation in the context of gastrointestinal cancers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* COHORT A: All patients will undergo initial staging and treatment as per the institution standard of care. Patients will be considered eligible for porto-mesenteric venous stenting (PVS) if:

  * There is \> 75% porto-mesenteric venous stenosis in either main portal vein (PV), left PV, right PV, or the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), even in absence of symptoms of portal hypertension
  * Patients presented with any degree of vascular narrowing of said vessels and symptomatic portal hypertension including variceal bleeding, refractory ascites, abdominal pain, intestinal edema, or diarrhea after exclusion of tumor-related causes as direct tumor invasion or peritoneal dissemination
* COHORT B: Patients who have thrombosis/stenosis of the main portal vein but who did not undergo stenting

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Malignant Digestive System Neoplasm
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.