Holmium-166 treatment for early stage liver cancer

Holmium-166 Transarterial Radioembolization in Unresectable, Early Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma; a Prospective, Single-arm, Open Label, Multicenter Phase II Study: HOMIE-166.

Not applicable Interventional Terumo Europe N.V. · NCT05451862

This study is testing a new treatment using Holmium-166 for people with early-stage liver cancer that can't be surgically removed, to see if it is safe and effective.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment73 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTerumo Europe N.V. Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Munich)
Trial IDNCT05451862 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Holmium-166 transarterial radioembolization (166Ho-TARE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have limited tumor burden and well-preserved liver function. It is a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter study that includes a scout dose of Holmium-166 microspheres to determine eligibility for the treatment. The primary endpoint will be assessed through blinded, independent central review by an imaging core laboratory, providing insights into the dose-response relationship of this innovative therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with unresectable HCC, limited tumor burden, and well-preserved liver function.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced liver disease or those with cirrhosis beyond Child-Pugh A may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new therapeutic option for patients with early stage HCC who are not candidates for surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise with similar radioembolization approaches, but the specific use of Holmium-166 is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years
2. Multidisciplinary tumor board decision for locoregional treatment
3. Freely given, written informed consent
4. Patients with unresectable HCC with a single nodule ≤ 8 cm or up to three nodules with a diameter of ≤ 5 cm (each) eligible for selective radioembolization (including position changes of infusion catheters)
5. Non-cirrhotic patients or Child-Pugh A cirrhosis
6. ECOG performance status 0-1
7. Using an acceptable method of contraception throughout the study until survival follow up (for subjects of childbearing potential)
8. Adequate hematological, renal and liver function.

Adequate hematological function defined as:

* Hemoglobin ≥ 6 mmol/L (9.7 g/dL)
* WBC ≥ 3.0 x 10E9/L
* Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 x 10E9/L
* Platelet count ≥ 50,000/mm3

Adequate renal function defined as:

* Serum urea and serum creatinine \< 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
* Creatinine clearance ≥ 45 ml/min

Adequate liver function defined as:

* Total bilirubin ≤ 35µmol/L (2.05 mg/dL)
* Albumin ≥ 30 g/L
* AST and ALT ≤ 5X ULN

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diffuse and/or infiltrative HCC (defined as HCC consisting of multiple tiny liver nodules spreading throughout the entire liver or entire lobe, without a dominant nodule)
2. Hypoperfused HCC (defined as a lack of tumor blush (i.e. reduced or no uptake of contrast fluid) observed on the intra-procedural CT)
3. No full, selective arterial coverage on intra-procedural CT
4. Life expectancy \< 6 months
5. Child-Pugh score ≥7 points
6. Prior liver transplantation
7. Prior locoregional or systemic anti-cancer therapy for HCC and previous malignancies
8. Macrovascular invasion (defined as macrovascular invasion of the hepatic and/or portal vein main branches)
9. Extrahepatic metastases
10. Clinically significant ascites
11. Hepatic encephalopathy
12. Untreated active hepatitis B and/or C
13. Work-up imaging showing:

    * Lung shunt \> 30 Gy is simulated on 166Ho-scout imaging; or
    * Uncorrectable extrahepatic deposition of simulated 166Ho-scout dose activity. Activity in the falciform ligament, portal lymph nodes and gallbladder is accepted; or
    * Anticipated ineffective tumor targeting (\< 150 Gy mean tumor simulated absorbed dose) of 166Ho-scout for each lesion; or
    * Entire tumor burden not within the perfused liver volume (possible extrahepatic collateral supply of the tumor); or
    * Perfused liver volume \> 50% of whole liver tissue
14. Pregnant or breast-feeding
15. Current or history of cancer other than HCC, except adequately treated non-melanoma skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix
16. In the Investigator's opinion there is a reason that could limit the patient's ability to participate in the study, compliance with follow-up requirements or impact the scientific integrity of the study
17. Concurrently enrolled in another study, unless it is an observational non-interventional study

Where this trial is running

Munich

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 Carcinomaearly stage HCCTARESIRTradioembolizationHolmium-166
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.