Evaluating the role of PET/CT scans in liver transplant candidates with liver cancer

Extension of Liver Transplantation Opportunity to Patients Suffering From Milan-out, Up-to-7-in, Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Prospective Belgian Study of the Value of Negative 18FDG PET/CT

Observational University of Liege · NCT05276037

This study is trying to see if PET/CT scans can help doctors choose the best liver cancer patients for liver transplants to improve their chances of survival.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Liege Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Antwerp and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05276037 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the prognostic value of negative 18FDG PET/CT scans in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are candidates for liver transplantation. It will include adult patients aged 18 to 80 years who are discussed for potential liver transplantation at six Belgian centers. The study will create a secured, anonymized database to track patient outcomes and determine the effectiveness of using PET/CT imaging in selecting candidates based on the Milan criteria. The goal is to improve patient selection for liver transplantation and ultimately enhance survival rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 80 with hepatocellular carcinoma who are being considered for liver transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 or over 80 years old, or those with contraindications for liver transplantation due to medical or cancer-related issues, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the selection process for liver transplantation, leading to better outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using imaging techniques like PET/CT in similar contexts, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* HepatoCellular Carcinoma
* Liver transplant candidate after multidisciplinary disccuss

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients \< 18y or \> 80yr old
* Patients considered contra-indicated (CI) for LT due to non-liver-related medical problems (age, other cancer, psychiatric disease, uncontrolled infection, no compliance, active alcohol abuse, cardiac CI, pulmonary CI, surgical CI, other medical CI);
* Patients contra-indicated for LT due to the HCC: extra-hepatic metastases (M+), lymphatic involvement (N+), macro-vascular invasion.

Where this trial is running

Antwerp and 5 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.
Conditions Hepatocellular CarcinomaLiver transplantationMilan criteriaPrognostic factorPET CTrecurrence
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.