Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using organoid models to study liver cancer

Official title: Organoid Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Test Treatment Efficacy, Exploring Correlations With Tumor Microenvironment and Gut-liver-tumor Axis.

Run by Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06929845 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to create mini-livers from patients' liver tissue to see how liver cancer behaves and how well different treatments work for people with the disease.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roma)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2024
Main results expectedNovember 15, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedSeptember 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT06929845 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma who are eligible for surgical resection.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 18 years old or those with contraindications to liver biopsy or surgery may 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 study aims to develop patient-derived organoids (PDOs) from liver tissue to closely mimic the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The PDOs will be used to evaluate genomic and transcriptomic changes and their correlation with patient prognosis. Additionally, the study will test the efficacy of systemic therapies on these organoids, integrating patient-derived gut microbiota and immune cells to understand therapeutic responses. Advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing and drug screening will be employed to enhance the understanding of treatment efficacy in HCC patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies utilizing organoid models for cancer research have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Capacity to express informed consent;
* Age ≥18 years;
* Suspected radiological diagnosis of HCC or diagnosis of HCC with indications for surgical resection.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years;
* Contraindications to liver biopsy (ascites, platelets\<50,000, INR\>1.7);
* Contraindications to HCC resection surgery;
* Active viral infection;
* Refusal to sign informed consent to participate in the study.

Where it's running

  • Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC CEMAD, Largo A. Gemelli, 8
    Roma, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  • BGB-B2033 vs Sorafenib or Lenvatinib for advanced liver cancer

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  • Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patient Registry (CHARM Hepatocellular Carcinoma MEA)

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.