Predicting liver disease complications and cancer development in patients

Prediction of Decompensation and HCC Development in Patients With Advanced Chronic Liver Disease by the PLEASE and M10S20 Algorithms

Observational University Hospital Muenster · NCT06523608

This study is testing if a new way of monitoring patients with advanced liver disease can help predict serious health issues and cancer better than standard care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Muenster Academic / other
Locations1 site (Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia)
Trial IDNCT06523608 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to predict the short- and long-term risks of severe disease events, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and mortality in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. Patients will be randomly assigned to either a control group, which follows standard clinical protocols, or a stratified surveillance program based on their risk levels determined by specific scoring systems. High-risk patients will receive more frequent monitoring and additional imaging tests, while low-risk patients will have less frequent follow-ups. The study also seeks to validate the cost-effectiveness of this risk stratification approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized or outpatient individuals diagnosed with advanced chronic liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients with current malignancies, severe extra-hepatic diseases, or those under 18 years old may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring and early intervention for patients at high risk of liver disease complications and HCC.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using risk stratification for monitoring liver disease, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The patient admitted/referred to study center is hospitalized or is an outpatient with advanced chronic liver disease (based on the BAVENO criteria)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Age \<18
* Evidence of current malignancy except for non-melanocytic skin cancer
* Presence or history of severe extra-hepatic diseases (e.g., chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis, severe heart disease (New York Heart Association (NYHA) \> II); severe chronic pulmonary disease (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) \> III), severe neurological and psychiatric disorders).
* Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients.
* Previous liver or other transplantation.
* Patients who decline to participate or who cannot provide prior written informed consent and when there is documented evidence that the patient has no legal surrogate decision maker and it appears unlikely that the patient will regain consciousness or sufficient ability to provide delayed informed consent.
* Physician's denial (e.g. the investigator considers that the patient will not follow the protocol scheduled).

Where this trial is running

Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia

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 DiseasesHepatocellular CarcinomaHepatocarcinomaAdvanced Chronic Liver Disease
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.