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Clinical trial No longer in our active list Observational Ages 18 and up

Identifying blood markers for liver cancer diagnosis

Official title: Identification of New Serum Diagnostic Markers of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Run by Stanford University · NCT00373347 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is trying to find new blood markers that can help doctors better diagnose liver cancer, especially since the current tests miss a lot of cases.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment600 (estimated)
SponsorStanford University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stanford, California)
Trial IDNCT00373347 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with liver cancer or those with non-cancer liver conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.

Probably not a fit

Patients without liver cancer or those whose medical records lack necessary information for analysis may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to discover new blood markers that can improve the accuracy of diagnosing liver cancer, which is often difficult to detect. Currently, the main blood marker used is alpha-feto protein (AFP), but it fails to identify 40-60% of liver cancer cases due to its lack of specificity and sensitivity. By identifying additional serum markers, the study hopes to enhance diagnostic capabilities, potentially using these markers alone or alongside AFP. The research involves analyzing blood samples from patients diagnosed with liver cancer and other liver conditions to find more reliable diagnostic indicators.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of liver cancer, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored blood markers for liver cancer, but this approach aims to identify novel markers, making it a potentially innovative effort.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with liver cancer based on biopsy or serum AFP level, associated with characteristic hypervascular liver tumors on triphasic spiral CT scan or MRI.
* Patients with non-cancer liver conditions such as cirrhosis, adenoma, cholangioma, or nodular hyperplasia.
* Patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis C viral infections not associated with liver cancer.

Exclusion Criteria:

-Patients will be excluded if, upon looking through their medical records, information required for data analysis are missing.

Where it's running

  • Stanford University School of Medicine
    Stanford, California, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.