Liver transplantation for patients with liver-limited colorectal cancer

Liver Transplantation for Unresectable Liver Limited Colorectal Metastases

Observational Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT04742621

This study is trying to see if liver transplants can help patients with colorectal cancer that has spread only to the liver and can't be removed by surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT04742621 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational pilot registry focuses on liver transplantation in patients with unresectable colorectal liver-only metastases at Weill Cornell Medical College. Eligible patients will be screened by a multidisciplinary tumor board, which includes experts in medical oncology, transplant surgery, radiology, and pathology. The registry aims to collect demographic and oncologic data, including tumor burden, recurrence rates, and survival outcomes, to better understand the potential role of liver transplantation in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum and no evidence of extrahepatic disease.

Not a fit: Patients with evidence of extrahepatic disease or local recurrence will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new treatment option for patients with unresectable liver-limited colorectal metastases.

How similar studies have performed: While liver transplantation for colorectal metastases is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in select patient populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum
2. No evidence of extrahepatic metastases or local recurrence based on PET/CT and colonoscopy
3. No signs of extrahepatic metastases or local recurrence according to PET/CT 4 weeks prior to consideration of transplant
4. Age 18-65 years old
5. Good performance status with ECOG 0-1
6. Stability or regression of liver metastasis for at least 6 months
7. Minimum of 1 year between diagnosis of colon cancer and liver transplant and 6 months from primary tumor resection and liver transplant
8. Minimum of 6 months chemotherapy
9. CEA \< 200 ug/L 3 months prior to transplant
10. Adequate organ and marrow function with Hb \> 10 g/dL, ANC \> 1000/uL, platelets \> 100,000/uL, bilirubin \< 2x ULN, AST/ALT \< 5x ULN, Creatinine \< 1.25 x ULN, Albumin above LLN

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Evidence of extrahepatic disease or local recurrence
2. Previous resection of lung metastases
3. MSI-H/dMMR or BRAF mutation
4. Any other medical or co-morbid condition that would preclude liver transplantation, as determined by the transplant team

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 Unresectable Liver-limited Colorectal Metastases
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.