Using heated chemotherapy to treat high-risk gallbladder cancer

Safety and Feasibility of Prophylactic Heated Intra-peritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for High-Risk Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma

Early Phase 1 Interventional West Virginia University · NCT05430035

This study is testing a new heated chemotherapy treatment for people with high-risk gallbladder cancer to see if it can help them fight difficult-to-treat tumors.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWest Virginia University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Morgantown, West Virginia)
Trial IDNCT05430035 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the safety and feasibility of heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with high-risk gallbladder adenocarcinoma. The study focuses on individuals who have experienced bile spillage during surgery or have advanced tumor characteristics. By administering HIPEC, the trial aims to target peritoneal metastases, which are often difficult to treat and lead to poor outcomes. The study is conducted at the West Virginia University Cancer Institute, where eligible patients will receive this novel treatment approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with confirmed gallbladder adenocarcinoma who have experienced bile spillage or have advanced tumor characteristics.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage gallbladder cancer or those who do not meet the specific eligibility criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with high-risk gallbladder cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with HIPEC in treating various gastrointestinal cancers, suggesting potential for success in this application as well.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects must have histologically or cytologically confirmed gallbladder adenocarcinoma AND inadvertent spillage of bile or intentional decompression during cholecystectomy OR tumors extending through the serosa of the gallbladder (T3/T4) OR poorly differentiated gallbladder adenocarcinoma.
* ECOG Performance status ≤ 2
* Subjects must have normal organ and marrow function as defined below:

  * Hemoglobin ≥ 10.0 g/dl
  * Leukocytes ≥ 3,000/mcL
  * Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mcL
  * Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mcL
  * Total bilirubin within normal institutional limits
  * AST (SGOT) ≤ 2.5 X institutional upper limit of normal
  * ALT (SGPT) ≤ 2.5 X institutional upper limit of normal
  * Serum Creatinine within normal institutional limits
* Eligible TNM staging includes \>T1b meeting above criteria, any N, and M0
* Eligible candidates for standard surgical management which includes central liver resection (+ cholecystectomy if not already performed) and portal lymphadenectomy
* Subjects must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior systemic therapy for gallbladder adenocarcinoma
* Subjects receiving any other investigational agents.
* Subjects with known or suspected metastatic disease
* History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to MMC or other agents used in this study.
* Subjects with uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding are excluded from this study because MMC has the potential for teratogenic or abortifacient effects. Because there is known risk for adverse events in nursing infants secondary to treatment of the mother with MMC, breastfeeding should be discontinued if the mother is treated with MMC.
* Subjects with past medical history of hepatitis B or C
* Subjects with evidence of biliary obstruction thought to be cancer related, including subjects requiring biliary stent

Where this trial is running

Morgantown, West Virginia

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 Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma
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.