Using 68Ga PSMA PET imaging to improve treatment for advanced liver cancer

Optimizing Outcomes of Patients with Advanced HCC Undergoing Immunotherapy Through Novel 68Ga PSMA PET Imaging

Phase 2 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT05176223

This study is testing if a special type of imaging can help doctors better track how well treatment is working for people with advanced liver cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsatezolizumab, bevacizumab, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05176223 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial evaluates the effectiveness of 68-Gallium prostate specific membrane antigen (68Ga-PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in diagnosing and managing advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study aims to compare the performance of PSMA PET imaging with traditional Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) for assessing treatment response in patients receiving immunotherapy. Patients will undergo PET/CT scans at various intervals during their treatment to monitor tumor response and identify potential imaging biomarkers that predict treatment efficacy. Follow-up will occur every six months for three years post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with pathologically confirmed advanced hepatocellular carcinoma that cannot be surgically removed or treated with other local therapies.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or exceed the weight/size limitations of the PET/CT scanner may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies for patients with advanced liver cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using imaging biomarkers for cancer treatment response, but this specific approach with 68Ga-PSMA PET is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient with pathologically confirmed HCC not amenable to curative resection, transplantation or ablative therapies
* Have radiographically measurable disease by RECIST
* Eligible for atezolizumab/bevacizumab front line therapy
* Male or female with age greater than 18 years, with the capacity and willingness to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant and/or breast-feeding patients. A negative pregnancy test within 48 hours of the PET scan
* Patients with higher than the weight/size limitations of PET/CT scanner

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

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 Advanced Hepatocellular CarcinomaStage III Hepatocellular Carcinoma AJCC V8Stage IV Hepatocellular Carcinoma AJCC V8Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
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.