Predicting response to immunotherapy in liver cancer patients

Immunophenotype of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Early Predict Response to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT06777628

This study is testing a new blood test to see if it can help predict how well liver cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna (other)
Locations1 site (Bologna, Laura Gramantieri)
Trial IDNCT06777628 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a cytofluorimetric assay in predicting how patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will respond to immunotherapy. It focuses on analyzing specific biomarkers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to identify responders and non-responders early in the treatment process. The study will also investigate transcriptomic signatures to enhance the predictive accuracy of the assay. By comparing these biomarkers and signatures, the study seeks to improve treatment outcomes for HCC patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and are receiving treatment at the participating center.

Not a fit: Patients with immune-related concomitant diseases or HIV infection may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enable earlier and more accurate predictions of treatment responses in liver cancer patients, leading to better personalized treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using immunophenotyping to predict treatment response is gaining traction, this specific methodology and its application in HCC is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥ 18 years
* diagnosis of HCC
* execution of laboratory tests and subsequent treatments and follow-up at our center.
* obtained written informed consent to the study participation

Exclusion Criteria:

* immune-related concomitant diseases
* HIV infection

Where this trial is running

Bologna, Laura Gramantieri

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Liver Cancer, Adult, immunophenotype, HCC patients, immunotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.