Using PD-1 inhibitors after microwave ablation for early-stage liver cancer

Adjuvant PD-1 Inhibitor for Patients With Early-stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Microwave Ablation: a Prospective Cohort Study

Not applicable Interventional Tongji Hospital · NCT06248554

This study is testing if adding PD-1 inhibitors after microwave ablation can help people with early-stage liver cancer stay cancer-free longer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorTongji Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wuhan)
Trial IDNCT06248554 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of PD-1 inhibitors as an adjuvant therapy for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following microwave ablation. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment approach, as patients often experience early recurrence after ablation. The study focuses on patients who have undergone successful microwave ablation without signs of recurrence. By exploring the potential synergistic effects of PD-1 inhibitors on the tumor microenvironment altered by ablation, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma who have undergone microwave ablation and show no signs of recurrence.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of other malignancies, recurrent HCC, or those with certain health complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could reduce the risk of recurrence in patients with early-stage liver cancer after microwave ablation.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited consensus on adjuvant therapy for early-stage HCC, early studies suggest that combining microwave ablation with PD-1 inhibitors may have promising effects, indicating a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-75 years
* Pathological type is HCC, BCLC stage 0-A
* No extrahepatic HCC
* No radiographic recurrence at 2-4 weeks after ablation
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performing status of 0-1
* Child-Pugh grade A or B and adequate hematologic and organ function

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any history of other malignant tumors or recurrent HCC
* Any preoperative treatment for HCC including local and systemic therapy
* Any acute active infectious diseases, active or history of autoimmune disease, or immune deficiency
* Any persistent serious ablation-related complications
* Esophageal and/or gastric variceal bleeding within 6 months
* Inability or refusal to comply with the treatment and monitoring
* Participation in other clinical trials

Where this trial is running

Wuhan

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 CarcinomaHepatocellular carcinomaAdjuvant therapyMicrowave ablationPD-1 inhibitor
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.