Identifying biomarkers in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer

Discovery of Molecular Biomarkers for Predicting Response Through RNA Sequencing in Patients With Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer Who Received Nab-paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine-cisplatin

Observational CHA University · NCT04871321

This study is trying to find specific markers in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer to see how well they respond to chemotherapy and improve treatment options.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCHA University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do)
Trial IDNCT04871321 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to discover biomarkers that predict responses to systemic chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer, including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. Utilizing biopsy specimens and advanced RNA sequencing techniques, the study will analyze multi-omics data to identify genetic alterations associated with treatment outcomes. Blood samples will also be collected to study cell-free DNA and circulating tumor cells at various stages of chemotherapy. The goal is to enhance understanding of the heterogeneity of biliary tract cancer and improve treatment strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 19 and older with inoperable or metastatic biliary tract cancer who are planning to receive a specific chemotherapy regimen.

Not a fit: Patients with prior palliative chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer or those with uncontrolled significant illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer, potentially improving survival outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using RNA sequencing for biomarker discovery is gaining traction, this specific application in biliary tract cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 19 years old
* Capable of understanding and complying with the protocol requirements and signed informed consent
* The patients were confirmed as bilary tract cancer (gall bladder cancer, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) by histopathology or cytology
* Patients with inoperable or metastatic or recurrent biliary tract cancer
* Patients who underwent in-house next-generation sequencing
* Patients planning to receive Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, nab-paclitaxel triplet chemotherapy
* At least one measurable objective lesion was identified based on the RECIST 1.1 criteria
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1.
* The expected survival a ≥3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* The subject has uncontrolled, significant intercurrent or recent illness including infection for organ failure
* Prior palliative chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer
* Dementia, altered mental state, or any mental illness that prevents understanding or informed consent
* Other conditions that researchers not think to be suitable for enrollment.

Where this trial is running

Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do

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 Biliary Tract CancerCholangiocarcinomaGallbladder CancerBiliary Tract cancerGemcitabineCisplatinnab-paclitaxelRNA sequencing
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.