Using PET scans to improve liver transplant decisions for liver cancer patients

Evaluation of PET TDM FDG-Choline as a Decision-making Tool for Routine Care on Inclusion on the Liver Transplant List for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Observational University Hospital, Lille · NCT04792801

This study is trying to see if using special PET scans can help doctors make better decisions about liver transplants for patients with liver cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Lille Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lille)
Trial IDNCT04792801 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PET CT scans using FDG and Choline tracers in the decision-making process for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study will include patients from the University Hospital of Lille and Rouen who meet specific criteria for liver transplantation. By comparing the results of PET scans with conventional imaging, the study seeks to enhance the selection process for candidates in light of the limited availability of donor organs. The goal is to determine if PET imaging can provide additional diagnostic and prognostic information that could influence treatment decisions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are eligible for liver transplantation and have an AFP score of 2 or lower.

Not a fit: Patients with an AFP score of 3 or higher, other types of tumors, or those contraindicated for PET scans may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better patient selection for liver transplants, potentially improving outcomes for those with hepatocellular carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: While PET imaging has been widely used in oncology, this specific application for liver transplantation in HCC is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient candidate for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma from the University Hospital of Lille and Rouen, whose therapeutic transplantation project has been validated and having an AFP score ≤ 2 (diagnosis of HCC defined on non-invasive imaging criteria according to the recommendations of EASL-EORTC 2012 or confirmed histologically).
* No opposition to participating in the study.
* Patient affiliated to a social security scheme

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient with an AFP score ≥ 3
* Patient contraindicated to PET FDG or Choline.
* Other tumor: Cholangiocarcinoma.
* Diabetes unbalanced HbA1c\> 9%, and fasting hyperglycemia (\> 2g / L) which does not allow the completion of the PET examination.
* Patient under guardianship or curatorship.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman.

Where this trial is running

Lille

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 CarcinomaLiver TransplantHepatocellular carcinomaLiver transplantationPET CT, FluorodeoxyglucoseFluorodeoxyglucoseCholine
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.