Impact of muscle loss on treatment outcomes in liver cancer

Prognostic Model of Survival of Patients With Hepatocarcinoma and Sarcopenia Treated With Systemic Therapy

Observational IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT06805552

This study looks at how losing muscle affects treatment results and survival in people with liver cancer over a year after starting chemotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment270 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Bologna)
Trial IDNCT06805552 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study examines patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to evaluate how sarcopenia, or muscle loss, affects their prognosis, treatment duration, and tolerance to systemic therapies. The study will assess the impact of sarcopenia 12 months after the initiation of chemotherapy and will investigate additional factors influencing prognosis. A predictive model for the risk of death at 12 months will be developed and externally validated based on the findings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma at various stages who are starting systemic therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma who have not undergone prior treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with liver cancer by identifying those at higher risk due to muscle loss.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the relationship between sarcopenia and cancer outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged ≥18 years.
* Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma based on histological and/or radiological results as defined by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). The staging of hepatocellular carcinoma was obtained through contrast-enhanced liver CT and/or MRI.
* Patients with advanced (BCLC-C) or intermediate (BCLC-B) stage hepatocellular carcinoma, or patients with early-stage (BCLC-A) hepatocellular carcinoma who have not responded to previous locoregional ablative treatments and/or liver resection.
* Treatment with TKIs according to the indications and prescription criteria defined by AIFA, with no requirement to reach a minimum treatment period.

Availability of a CT scan performed within no more than 8 weeks prior to the start of TKI therapy.

\- Obtaining written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* None

Where this trial is running

Bologna

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 HCC - Hepatocellular CarcinomaHepatocellular CarcinomaSarcopeniaHCC systemic therapy
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.