Understanding risk factors and genetic changes in biliary tree cancers

Molecular Epidemiology of Biliary Tree Cancers

Observational M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT05179486

This study is trying to find out what causes biliary tree cancers and how genetic changes can help doctors understand treatment responses in patients with these cancers.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05179486 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify risk factors, tumor markers, and genetic changes that may predict the development and outcomes of biliary tree cancers, specifically cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. Participants will complete a questionnaire and provide blood and tissue samples for analysis. The study seeks to establish biomarker models that can help doctors understand how different treatments affect biliary tree cancer and why responses vary among patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder cancer, as well as healthy controls and patients with chronic liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of biliary tree cancers or chronic liver disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prediction of cancer outcomes and more personalized treatment strategies for patients with biliary tree cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying genetic and environmental factors related to cancer, making this approach promising but not entirely novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pathologically or radiologically confirmed diagnosis of CGC or GBC
* With or without prior radiation or chemotherapy
* All United States of America (USA) and non USA residents
* No age, gender, or racial restriction
* Healthy control with no current or history of cancer
* Healthy controls are USA and non USA residents
* Healthy controls are matched to the cases in age (5 years), gender, and race
* Healthy controls are friends and spouses of patients with other than gastro-intestinal (GI) cancers
* Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) controls with no current or history of cancer
* CLD controls are USA and non USA residents
* CLD controls are frequency matched to CGC cases by age (5 years), gender, and race
* CLD controls are patients are diagnosed with or without liver biopsy (core or fine needle aspiration)
* CLD controls must not have evidence liver cancer diagnosis by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Exclusion Criteria:

* None

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 CholangiocarcinomaMalignant Digestive System Neoplasm
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.