Using high-dose insulin therapy to enhance liver function before surgery

Application of High-Dose Insulin Therapy Using a Hyperinsulinemic Normoglycemic Clamp to Improve Liver Function and Regeneration

NA · McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT06126419

This study is testing if high-dose insulin therapy can help improve liver function in patients who are about to have major liver surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (other)
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT06126419 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study aims to determine whether high-dose insulin therapy can improve liver function in patients scheduled for major liver surgery. Participants will undergo a 6-hour infusion of insulin and dextrose to maintain a hyperinsulinemic-normoglycemic state in the weeks leading up to their surgery. The study will assess the effects of this therapy on liver function and regeneration, particularly after a liver venous deprivation procedure, using 99m-Tc-Mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy. The research seeks to optimize the future liver remnant for better surgical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for major liver resection due to resectable colorectal liver metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled blood glucose levels, type 1 diabetes, or unresectable metastatic disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance liver function and regeneration in patients undergoing liver surgery, potentially improving surgical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of high-dose insulin therapy in this context may be novel, similar approaches in enhancing liver function have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years old
* Candidate for major liver resection
* Resectable colorectal liver metastasis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to give consent
* Type 1 diabetes mellitus
* Uncontrolled blood glucose levels (fasting level \> 10 mmol/L)
* Unresectable colorectal liver metastasis
* Extrahepatic metastatic disease that is unresectable

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Liver Dysfunction, Liver Metastasis Colon Cancer, Liver Regeneration, Hyperinsulinemic-Normoglycemic Clamp, High Dose Insulin Therapy, 99mTc-Mebrofenin Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy, Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis, Liver Resection

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.