Using gene expression analysis to improve liver transplant diagnostics
Official title: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications of Microarrays in Liver Transplantation, a Multicenter Study
Run by University of Alberta · NCT03193151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to check liver health after transplants by combining genetic information with traditional biopsy results to help doctors make better diagnoses for patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 15 sites (San Francisco, California and 14 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 19, 2017 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03193151 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are patients undergoing liver biopsies for clinical indications related to liver transplant dysfunction.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant or unable to provide consent will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between the molecular and histological characteristics of liver transplant biopsies to enhance diagnostic accuracy. By utilizing the Molecular Microscope® Diagnostic System (MMDx), the study aims to integrate molecular and histopathological data with clinical parameters to create a comprehensive diagnostic tool. A total of 300 liver biopsies will be collected for analysis, focusing on improving the current standard of care which relies heavily on histology. The goal is to refine and validate this new diagnostic approach to better identify liver dysfunction in transplant patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of liver transplant dysfunction, potentially improving patient outcomes and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using molecular diagnostics in other organ transplants have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel application for liver transplants.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * biopsy for clinical indications Exclusion Criteria: * no consent, pregnant women
Where it's running
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Henry Ford Transplant Institute
Detroit, Michigan, United States Recruiting -
University of California San Francisco, Transplant Research Unit
San Francisco, California, United States Completed -
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois, United States Completed -
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Completed -
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Transplant Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States Withdrawn -
Baylor University Medical Center, Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute
Dallas, Texas, United States Completed
Show 9 more locations
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Transplant Surgery, VCU Medical Center
Richmond, Virginia, United States Completed -
Division of Transplant Surgery, University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States Completed -
Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine & Cell Biology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Camperdown, Australia Completed -
University of Alberta, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Completed -
Dep. of Nephrology, Transplantation & Internal Med., Samodzielny Publiczny Szpital Kliniczny im. A. Mieleckiego
Katowice, Poland Completed -
Independent Public Composite Regional Hospital
Szczecin, Poland Completed -
Warsaw Medical University, Jesus the Child Clinical Hospital
Warsaw, Poland Completed -
Warsaw Medical University, Independent Public Clinical Hospital
Warsaw, Poland Completed -
Institute for Liver Science, King's College London
London, United Kingdom Completed
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Philip F Halloran, MD, PhD — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Konrad S Famulski, PhD
- Email: konrad@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 1 780 492 1725
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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-
Non-invasive methods to diagnose complications after liver transplantation
This study is testing new, non-invasive ways to spot complications early in people who have had a liver transplant to help improve their recovery.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.