Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Using serum glycomics to predict liver cancer recurrence after transplantation

Official title: Serum Glycomics as Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarkers of Disease Recurrence in Liver Transplant Recipients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Run by University Hospital, Ghent · NCT05866783 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether changes in certain sugars in the blood can help predict if liver cancer will come back in patients who have had a liver transplant.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment500 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ghent)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 28, 2023
Main results expectedJanuary 1, 2027
Study endsJanuary 1, 2038
Registry record updatedMay 16, 2024
Trial IDNCT05866783 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who are eligible for or on the waiting list for liver transplantation.

Probably not a fit

Patients with other liver tumors, such as liver metastasis or cholangiocarcinoma, will 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 validate the prognostic value of serum glycomics as biomarkers for disease recurrence in liver transplant recipients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By analyzing specific changes in N-glycan profiles before liver transplantation, the researchers hope to identify patients at higher risk for tumor recurrence and overall mortality. The study will be conducted across multiple centers, enhancing the reliability of the findings. It builds on previous pilot studies that indicated a strong association between glycan changes and HCC outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a reliable method for predicting liver cancer recurrence, allowing for better patient management and treatment planning.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using glycomic profiles as prognostic indicators in liver cancer, suggesting that this approach may be viable.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed and dated patient informed consent document
* Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Ability to comply with protocol-specified evaluations and scheduled visits
* Eligible for liver transplantation and/or active on the waiting list for liver transplantation
* Consulted the department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of other liver tumors (eg. liver metastasis, cholangiocarcinoma)

Where it's running

  • Ghent University Hospital
    Ghent, Belgium
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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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.