Using natural killer cell therapy to treat liver cancer

A Phase I Study of Autologous Natural Killer Cell Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Phase 1 Interventional Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital · NCT06044506

This study is testing a new therapy using natural killer cells to see if it can help people with liver cancer feel better and live longer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorDr Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta Special Capital Region)
Trial IDNCT06044506 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase I clinical trial investigates the use of autologous natural killer (NK) cell therapy for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) classified as Child-Pugh A and within Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages B or C. The study aims to determine the appropriate treatment dosage, assess any side effects, and evaluate the average duration of progression-free survival. Participants will be recruited from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, focusing on those who meet specific eligibility criteria, including age and health status. The trial will involve a small sample size of 2-3 patients to gather preliminary data on the therapy's safety and efficacy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 20-60 with hepatocellular carcinoma staged as BCLC B or C and a Karnofsky Performance Status score of 70 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with other malignancies, severe comorbid conditions, or those who have previously undergone stem cell therapies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a new treatment option for patients with advanced liver cancer, potentially improving their survival outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While NK cell therapy is a promising area of immunotherapy, this specific approach for hepatocellular carcinoma is still in early phases and has not been widely tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 20-60 years old
* Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) staged as BCLC B and C
* Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score ≥ 70
* Expected patient survival of more than three months
* The following parameters are within the normal range:

Platelet count ≥ 80,000/µL White blood cell count ≥ 3000/µL Neutrophil count ≥ 2000 Hemoglobin ≥ 9 mg/dL International Normalized Ratio (INR) 0.8-1.5 Adequate liver function (bilirubin \< 2, SGOT and SGPT \< 60 U/L) Adequate kidney function (serum creatinine \< 1.3, serum urea \< 10)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusing to participate in the study
* Afflicted by other malignancies, whether non-HCC liver or other malignancies
* Patients are affected by other conditions such as hypertension, severe coronary disease, myelosuppression, respiratory disorders, and acute or chronic infections
* Patients who have previously undergone transplantation and received other stem cell therapies

Where this trial is running

Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta Special Capital Region

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 Hepatocellular CarcinomaNatural Killer CellImmunotherapy
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.