Using radiofrequency to reduce liver cancer recurrence after surgery

Unravelling the Impact of Radiofrecuency in Liver Surgery: the Key to Decrease Local Recurrence? (Study LIVERaTION)

Not applicable Interventional Hospital del Mar · NCT05492136

This study is testing if using radiofrequency during liver surgery can help prevent liver cancer from coming back and improve survival for patients with questionable surgical margins.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment720 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital del Mar Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT05492136 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of radiofrequency devices during liver surgery to improve hemostasis and potentially reduce local recurrence of liver cancer. It focuses on the application of additional margin coagulation after tumor resection, particularly in cases where the surgical margins are questionable. The study aims to determine whether this technique can enhance overall survival rates and minimize the risk of recurrence, despite concerns about liver ischemia. Participants will be monitored for outcomes related to their liver cancer treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with liver cancer, specifically those with colorectal metastases or primary liver tumors like hepatocarcinoma, who have not previously undergone local therapy or liver resection.

Not a fit: Patients with prior liver treatments or those with advanced liver disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved survival rates and reduced recurrence of liver cancer for patients undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored the use of radiofrequency in liver surgery, the specific approach of additional margin coagulation remains novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

1. Written informed consent granted prior to the initiation of the surgical procedure, given with the understanding that the patient has the right to withdraw from the study at any time, without prejudice.
2. 18 year of age or older.
3. WHO performance scale 0-2
4. Consecutive patients (both sexes equally distributed) suffering from CRLM confirmed either by abdominal CT, abdominal MRI or/and by histologic-cytological evaluation or patients suffering from HCC.
5. Any previous chemotherapy regime is permitted.
6. ASA score 1 to 3.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Previous or concurrent cancer that is distinct from one primary tumor of which the Liver metastasis comes from EXCEPT cervical carcinoma in situ, treated basal cell carcinoma, superficial bladder tumors (Ta, Tis \& T1).
2. Any cancer curatively treated \> 3 years prior to enrollment is permitted.
3. ASA 4.
4. Non-resectable extrahepatic metastases.
5. Liver metastasis from other origin apart from colorectal.
6. Bening primary tumor of the liver.
7. Pregnant woman.
8. Participation in another clinical trial.

Where this trial is running

Barcelona

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 Liver CancerCancer, Treatment-Related
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.