Microwave ablation for small liver tumors

Evaluation of Clinical Effectiveness of Microwave Ablation Using Starwave Microwave Generator for Small Liver Malignancies: A Prospective Single Center Study

Not applicable Interventional Seoul National University Hospital · NCT06426992

This study tests if a new microwave treatment can safely remove small liver tumors and reduce the chances of them coming back.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT06426992 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of microwave ablation using the Starwave Microwave Generator for treating small liver malignancies. It aims to achieve a safety margin of at least 5 mm around the tumor during the procedure and assesses the local recurrence rate after one year through follow-up imaging. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic liver cancer measuring 4 cm or less are eligible for this intervention. The study focuses on determining the technical success rate of this minimally invasive treatment approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with Child-Pugh Class A or B liver function and small liver tumors of 4 cm or less.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple malignant tumors, larger tumors, or severe liver failure are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a less invasive option for patients with small liver tumors, potentially reducing recurrence rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with microwave ablation for liver tumors, indicating that this approach is supported by existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Child-Pugh Class A or B
* Patients with suspected hepatocellular carcinoma or residual/recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma of 4 cm or less on MDCT, CEUS, or MRI performed within the last 60 days or Patients with suspected metastatic liver cancer of 4 cm or less on MDCT, CEUS, or MRI performed within the last 60 days, for whom microwave thermal ablation is being considered

Exclusion Criteria:

* In cases where there are three or more malignant liver tumors
* When the maximum size of the tumor exceeds 4 cm
* Diffuse infiltrative type of cancer with unclear tumor boundaries
* When the tumor is adhered to the central hepatic portal vein, hepatic vein, or bile duct by 5 mm or more
* Severe liver failure (Child-Pugh Class C)
* In cases of vascular invasion by malignant liver tumors
* Severe coagulopathy (platelet count below 50,000/mm³ or INR prolonged by more than 50%)
* In cases of multiple extrahepatic metastases
* Situations where it is highly unlikely to obtain appropriate data for research purposes

Where this trial is running

Seoul

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 Liver Malignant Tumors
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.