Using advanced ultrasound-guided needles to sample tissue from biliary strictures

Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine-needle Biopsy for Tissue Sampling of Biliary Strictures: a Multicenter Prospective Study

Not applicable Interventional Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia · NCT06614452

This study is testing new ultrasound-guided needles to see if they can help doctors get better tissue samples from biliary strictures in patients who may have cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOspedali Riuniti di Foggia Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Foggia, FG and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06614452 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of new endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) techniques for obtaining tissue samples from biliary strictures. It focuses on the use of advanced 'end-cutting' needles, which have shown high diagnostic accuracy in other abdominal lesions. The study aims to improve diagnostic outcomes for patients with biliary strictures, particularly those without visible masses on imaging. By comparing the performance of these new needles against traditional methods, the research seeks to establish a more reliable approach for diagnosing malignancies in biliary strictures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with suspicious biliary strictures but no abdominal mass visible on imaging.

Not a fit: Patients with known pancreatic or abdominal masses affecting the bile duct, or those with bleeding disorders that cannot be corrected, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of biliary strictures, allowing for timely and appropriate treatment for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar advanced EUS techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years

  * Suspicious biliary stricture in absence of an abdominal mass at cross-sectional imaging
  * Distal and peri-hilar biliary strictures
  * Informed consent provided by the patient or the closest relative

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a pancreatic or abdominal mass structuring the common bile duct

  * EUS not feasible
  * Known bleeding disorder that cannot be sufficiently corrected with fresh frozen plasma (FFP)
  * Use of anticoagulants that cannot be discontinued
  * INR \>1.5 or platelet count \<50.000
  * Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Foggia, FG and 1 other locations

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 Biliary Stricturesbiliary stricturesEUS-FNBCancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.