Clinical Research Trials on Liver Cancer
The physicians and health care workers at the UPMC Liver Cancer Center are engaged in clinical research trials to determine the latest state-of-the-art treatment for liver tumors.
Active Clinical Research Protocols
- A Pilot Study of Yttrium-90 Microspheres (SIR-Spheres® microspheres) Therapy for the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
The purpose of this research study is to document the safety and toxicity of treatment with SIR-Spheres yttrium microspheres in patients with unresectable HCC. Principal Investigator: T. Clark Gamblin, MD
- A Phase III Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Sorafenib as AdjuvantTreatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Surgical Resection or Local Ablation
The purpose of this research study is to determine whether Sorafenib in the adjuvant setting delays time to recurrence or prolongs overall survival in patients who have received surgical resection or local ablation. Principal Investigator: T. Clark Gamblin, MD
- LC Drug Eluting Bead for Regional Chemoembolization to Downstage or Bridge Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) to Liver Transplantation
The purpose of this research study is 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. Principal Investigator: T. Clark Gamblin, MD
- Phase II-a, Open-Label, Randomized Study of JX-594 (Thymadine Kinase-Deleted Vaccinia Virusplus GM-CSF) Administered by Intratumoral Injection in Patients with Unresectable Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma The purpose of this research study is to determine safety and tolerability, radiographic response rate and progression free survival of JX-594 administered at two dose levels in patients with unresectable HCC. Principal Investigator: T. Clark Gamblin, MD
- Phase I/II Trial Testing Immunization with AFP Plus GM-CSF Plasmid and AFP Adenoviral Vector Boost in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
The purpose of this research study is to investigate immune response after injection of AFP virus in patients with stable disease following prior therapy. Co-Principal Investigator: T. Clark Gamblin, MD
- Evaluation of Image-Guided Surgical System for Resection of Liver Tumors
The purpose of this research study is to test the effectiveness of an image‑guided liver surgery system (IGLS) to help locate and remove liver tumors during liver resection surgery.
Principal Investigator: David A. Geller, MD
- Phase II Trial of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Plus Oral Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006, Nexavar®) for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
The purpose of this research study is to determine progression-free survival for patients with unresectable HCC treated with TACE plus Oral Sorafenib.
Principal Investigator: T. Clark Gamblin, MD
- Computer-Mediated Strategies for Symptom Management
The purpose of this research study is to improve quality of life for individual's diagnosed with hepatobiliary carcinoma and their family caregiver(s).
Principal Investigator: Jennifer Steel, PhD
- Analysis of the Cytokine-Immunological Model of Cancer
The purpose of this research study is to understand the relationship between cancer-related symptoms (e.g., fatigue, pain), associated biomarkers (e.g., cytokines, Natural Killer cells), and the individuals' response to treatment.
Principal Investigator: Jennifer Steel, PhD
Clinical Research Interests
- Cyberknife treatment and follow-up for primary or metastatic liver tumors
- A Phase II Study of Yttrium-90 Microspheres (SIR-Spheres®) Therapy for the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- TACE vs. SIR-Spheres® for Liver Metastases Secondary to Neuroendocrine Tumors
- Cold vs. warm ischemia and other factors that influence cell viability, morphology, and function in hepatocytes.
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 Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- A Phase III Placebo-Controlled Trial of Sorafenib in Patients with Advanced Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- Hepatic Arterial Cisplatin + Adriamycin with or without Lipiodol for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a Prospective Randomized Trial
- Thymitaq, a Multi-Center Study for the Treatment of Advanced-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
- Novel Molecular Markers for the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Circulating Micro-Metastases
- Irissa (EGF Receptor Antibody) for Hepatocellular Carcinoma; a Multi-Center Trial
- Radiofrequency-Induced Necrosis within Hepatic Tissue by a Bipolar Electrode