Clinical Research Trials on Liver Cancer
The physicians and health care team at the UPMC Liver Cancer Center are engaged in clinical research trials to determine the latest state-of-the-art treatment for liver tumors.
For more information about clinical research at the UPMC Liver Cancer Center, please contact us.
Active Clinical Research Protocols
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Study Title |
NSABP PROTOCOL FC-6: A Phase II Study to Determine the Surgical Conversion Rate in Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant mFOLFOX7 Plus Cetuximab for Unresectable Wild-Type K-RAS Colorectal Cancer with Metastases Confined to the Liver |
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Purpose |
To evaluate the surgical conversion rate using cytotoxic combination chemotherapy, FOLFOX7, the biologic therapy with cetuximab. |
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Goal |
To downstage (up to three, two-month cycles) followed by liver resection +/- RFA. |
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Principal Investigator |
David A. Geller, MD, FACS |
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Study Title |
Phase I/II Trial Testing Immunization with AFP Plus GM-CSF Plasmid and AFP Adenoviral Vector Boost in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) |
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Purpose |
To investigate immune response after injection of AFP virus in patients with stable disease following prior therapy. |
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Co-Principal Investigator |
David A. Geller, MD, FACS |
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Study Title |
LC Drug Eluting Bead for Regional Chemoembolization to Downstage or Bridge Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) to Liver Transplantation |
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Purpose |
To test the LC Drug Eluting Bead in combination with Doxorubicin for regional chemoembolization as a method for downstaging or bridging patients to liver transplantation. |
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Principal Investigator |
David A. Geller, MD, FACS |
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Study Title |
Computer-Mediated Strategies for Symptom Management |
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Purpose |
To improve quality of life for individuals diagnosed with hepatobiliary carcinoma and their family caregivers. |
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Principal Investigator |
Jennifer Steel, PhD |
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Study Title |
Analysis of the Cytokine-Immunological Model of Cancer |
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Purpose |
To understand the relationship between cancer-related symptoms (e.g., fatigue, pain), associated biomarkers (e.g., cytokines, Natural Killer cells), and the individual's response to treatment. |
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Principal Investigator |
Jennifer Steel, PhD |
Upcoming Clinical Research Protocols
- NSABP C-11 study — A Phase III, multicenter, randomized trial that will evaluate the difference in recurrence-free survival between patients with resectable hepatic colorectal metastases receiving perioperative (preoperative plus postoperative) chemotherapy and those receiving only postoperative chemotherapy following hepatic surgery to resect colorectal metastases.
- Therasphere (STO) trial — To evaluate Therasphere in the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in whom treatment with standard-of-care sorofenib therapy is planned.
Clinical Research Interests
Recent Clinical Research Protocols
- A randomized controlled trial of TheraSphere® vs. Cisplatin-based transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- A phase II study of Trisenox in the treatment of unresectable HCC.
- A phase III placebo-controlled trial of Sorafenib in patients with advanced unresectable HCC.
- Hepatic arterial cisplatin + Adriamycin with or without Lipiodol for HCC, a prospective randomized trial.
- Thymitaq, a multicenter study for the treatment of advanced-stage HCC.
- Novel molecular markers for the diagnosis of HCC circulating micro-metastases.
- Irissa (EGF receptor antibody) for HCC — a multicenter trial.
- Radiofrequency-induced necrosis within hepatic tissue by a bipolar electrode.
For more information about active clinical research, interests, or protocols at the UPMC Liver Cancer Center, please contact us.