Treatment to make inoperable liver cancer operable

Conversion From Unresectable To Resectable Liver Metastases In Patients With Liver-Only Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated With FOLFOXIRI Plus Bevacizumab. The Conversion Trial.

Phase 2 Interventional University of Saskatchewan · NCT03401294

This study is testing a combination treatment to see if it can make liver cancer that can't currently be operated on eligible for surgery in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Saskatchewan Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, bevacizumab
Locations1 site (Regina, Saskatchewan)
Trial IDNCT03401294 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a combination therapy using FOLFOXIRI and bevacizumab in patients with unresectable liver-only metastatic colorectal cancer. The goal is to convert these patients to a state where surgical resection of liver metastases is possible. The study will assess the conversion rate, disease control, survival, quality of life, and the relationship between early imaging responses and surgical outcomes. A total of 32 eligible patients will be treated and monitored at major cancer centers in Saskatchewan.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with unresectable liver-only metastatic colorectal cancer and no prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Not a fit: Patients with extra-hepatic disease or those with severe medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly increase the number of patients with liver-only metastatic colorectal cancer who can undergo potentially curative surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar combination therapies, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients, aged between 18 and 70 years with histologically proven adenocarcinoma or poorly differentiated carcinoma of the colon and rectum with unresectable liver-only metastases and no extra-hepatic disease.
* World Health Organization (WHO) performance status of 0-1.
* No previous chemotherapy for advanced disease.
* Adequate functioning of the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Breastfeeding or pregnancy.
* An active second primary cancer with the exception of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin or an in situ cancer.
* Severe or uncompensated concomitant medical conditions.

Where this trial is running

Regina, Saskatchewan

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 Metastatic Colorectal CancerMetastatic colorectal cancerConversion therapyLiver Metastasectomy
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.