Cirrhosis

Researchers are studying chronic liver diseases and tumors, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These conditions can be caused by viral infections like hepatitis B, C, and D or lifestyle factors such as overeating and lack of exercise. The goal is to develop better understanding and new treatments by analyzing liver tissues and tumors at the single-cell level to identify therapeutic targets and improve patient outcomes. The study involves creating patient-derived preclinical models, such as spheroid cultures and mouse xenograft models, to test new treatment strategies. Blood samples and tissue biopsies are collected during surgeries, biopsies, or diagnostic tests. Researchers use advanced molecular techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to examine tumor heterogeneity and the liver environment, aiming to discover new biomarkers and treatment predictors. Participants will undergo procedures as part of their care, including hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgery, biopsies, or locoregional treatments. Blood samples are taken during these procedures to support research. Researchers will monitor surgery outcomes over an average of eight years. By studying patient samples and clinical data, the team aims to improve personalized medicine approaches and identify new preventive and therapeutic targets for chronic liver diseases and liver cancer.

Researchers are studying the metabolism of cells in the ascites fluid of ovarian cancer patients to better understand the tumour environment. This observational study involves women aged 18 and older who have ascites caused by diagnosed ovarian cancer. The study aims to trace how glucose is taken up and metabolized by tumour and T cells in the ascites. Participants will receive an intravenous infusion of specially labeled glucose ([U-13C]glucose) during their scheduled paracentesis procedure. The infusion starts with 8 grams of labeled glucose in 60 mL over 10 minutes, followed by 4 grams in 30 mL over one hour, continuing until the ascites fluid is drained or up to 5 hours. A continuous glucose monitor tracks blood glucose levels throughout. Samples of ascites fluid collected during the infusion will be kept on ice and analyzed for metabolic activity and metabolite profiles using flow cytometry and mass spectrometry. During the study, participants will wear a glucose monitor before paracentesis and have ascites fluid collected hourly for up to 5 hours. Researchers will measure glucose enrichment and compare metabolic pathways in different cell types within the ascites. They will also correlate metabolic profiles with T cell function. The study involves close monitoring of blood glucose and sample analysis to understand tumour and immune cell metabolism in ovarian cancer ascites.

Researchers are studying the use of spleen shear wave elastography (SWE-SSM) to help diagnose significant portal hypertension and high-risk esophageal varices in patients with advanced compensated chronic liver disease. The study aims to understand how well SWE-SSM can identify these conditions without affecting patient treatment or disease progression. It also explores how SWE-SSM relates to portal pressure and transient elastography measurements in some patients. During the ultrasound exams that patients normally undergo, spleen elastography will be added if the patient meets study criteria and consents. This additional test is non-invasive and does not change the standard ultrasound procedure or patient care. No treatments or experimental interventions will be given, as the study focuses on collecting clinical data through observation. Participants will have ultrasound exams including both spleen and liver elastography as part of their usual care pathway. Researchers will evaluate measurements related to portal hypertension and esophageal varices over a two-year period. The study monitors the natural course of the disease and gathers data without altering treatments or clinical management.

Researchers are investigating new non-invasive methods to predict hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), a key measure in managing portal hypertension in cirrhosis. This study compares three-dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (3D-MRE) with two-dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (2D-MRE) to develop a risk stratification system that can guide personalized treatment for portal hypertension. Cirrhosis and portal hypertension pose significant health challenges, making less invasive diagnostic tools important for patient care. Participants will undergo imaging using either 3D-MRE or 2D-MRE, both performed on a 3.0-T MRI system with an eight-channel body coil. The study features two groups: one developing a model using 3D-MRE and a control group using 2D-MRE. Hepatic venous pressure gradient measurements are taken by trained radiologists following standard procedures. Comparing these imaging techniques aims to evaluate their accuracy in assessing portal hypertension. During the study, participants will have imaging and HVPG measurements within one month to ensure data consistency. Researchers will assess the accuracy of 3D-MRE and 2D-MRE features for predicting portal hypertension over a 12-month period. The study monitors participants through these diagnostic tests and evaluates how well the imaging models can predict HVPG, contributing to safer, more convenient management of cirrhosis-related complications.

Researchers are evaluating a new, non-invasive method using three-dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (3D-MRE) to predict hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in patients with cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or advanced chronic liver disease. This study aims to establish a risk stratification system to better manage portal hypertension, a critical factor affecting the prognosis of these liver conditions. The trial is observational and focuses on improving diagnosis without invasive procedures like liver biopsy or traditional HVPG measurement. The study involves two groups: a training cohort to develop the new 3D-MRE model for virtual HVPG prediction, and a validation cohort to confirm the model's accuracy in different patients under similar conditions. Imaging is done using a 3.0-T MRI system with a phased-array body coil, while HVPG measurements are performed by skilled interventional radiologists following standard procedures. Participants undergo both assessments within one month. During the 12-month study, participants will have their portal hypertension assessed through the features of 3D-MRE and HVPG readings. Researchers will analyze the accuracy of 3D-MRE to predict portal hypertension levels. Participants provide informed consent and meet age and health criteria. The study includes monitoring to ensure reliable imaging and measurement results, with exclusion of those with conditions or treatments that may affect accuracy. The total participation involves these diagnostic steps, with no treatment interventions administered.

Researchers are investigating early detection and risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in adults with advanced liver disease, specifically those with liver cirrhosis from various causes. This prospective multicenter study aims to compare ultrasound and abbreviated MRI (AMRI) as surveillance tools to assess their ability to detect HCC, as well as to study how body composition, such as fat and muscle levels, relates to disease progression and HCC risk. Participants with cirrhosis undergo regular clinical evaluations and imaging tests at set intervals, including ultrasound and abbreviated MRI scans. The study collects detailed data on body composition and tracks clinical outcomes like liver-related complications and mortality. These assessments occur over multiple visits, including baseline and follow-ups at 6, 12, and 18 months, with additional monitoring for up to 24 months to observe new cases of HCC and disease progression. During the study, participants receive structured exams, imaging, and body composition measurements at each visit. Researchers evaluate lesion risk for HCC using LI-RADS criteria and measure muscle mass through the Muscle Assessment Score. They also monitor liver stiffness and organ volumes at baseline and follow-up visits. The study's goal is to develop prediction models based on these clinical and imaging data to better understand HCC risk and liver disease progression over time.

Researchers are investigating the appropriate intensity of rehabilitation programs for patients who have undergone liver transplantation. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for these patients due to sedentary lifestyle and poor physical fitness after transplant. The study aims to test a structured, home-based, supervised physical rehabilitation and maintenance program in liver transplant recipients, assessing its feasibility, safety, and ability to improve physical fitness. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three training groups with different exercise intensities: low, moderate, or combined moderate and high intensity. The rehabilitation program lasts six months and includes aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises performed from home under supervision. After this, a 15-month maintenance phase of physical activity tailored to individual preferences will follow to observe long-term implementation. Participants will undergo assessments at the start, three months, six months, and 15 months after the intervention begins. These evaluations include tests of physical fitness, cardiovascular health, liver function, body composition, and questionnaires monitoring well-being, safety, quality of life, physical activity, and cost-effectiveness. Monthly monitoring of adverse events and follow-ups at the study site will ensure safety and track outcomes over time.

Researchers are evaluating whether a new blood biomarker can help identify depression and schizophrenia in patients attending psychiatric clinics. The study aims to see if changes in this biomarker can distinguish depressed patients who respond to treatment from those who do not, and differentiate individuals having a first psychotic episode from those at risk of developing schizophrenia. This observational study involves up to 500 participants grouped by diagnosis into Depression (DEP) and Psychosis/Schizophrenia (PSY) arms. Participants will attend three study visits over six months, during which blood samples and standard mental health assessments will be collected. These visits will help researchers analyze the relationship between the biomarker characteristics and the mental health conditions. The study does not involve any treatments but focuses on monitoring and measuring the biomarker and clinical factors over time. During the study, participants will complete standardized mental health questionnaires at each visit, and researchers will collect blood samples to study the biomarker changes. The main outcomes measured include the relationship between depression or psychotic disorders and biomarker characteristics over the six-month period. Researchers will also explore how clinical and demographic factors relate to these biomarker changes. The total participation time spans about six months with three scheduled visits.

Researchers are evaluating a new combined therapy using human albumin and enoxaparin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis who are discharged from the hospital. The study aims to determine if this combined treatment is safe, tolerable, effective, and whether it costs more or less compared to standard medical treatment. This Phase 2 clinical trial will compare patients receiving the combinatorial therapy plus standard care to those receiving only standard care to see how they respond over time. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group receives standard medical treatment along with the combined therapy of enoxaparin and human albumin, while the control group receives only standard medical treatment. The study involves treatment and follow-up over a period that includes monitoring at 30, 90, and 180 days after baseline to assess various health outcomes and complications. During the study, participants will attend visits where researchers will perform tests to track disease progression and response to treatment. Assessments include monitoring adverse events such as pulmonary edema, bleeding, and thrombocytopenia, as well as changes in liver and kidney function, hospital readmissions, survival rates, quality of life measures, and overall healthcare costs. Safety and tolerability are closely observed from baseline to day 90, with continued evaluation up to 180 days. Total study participation may last about six months from baseline.

Researchers are studying the safety and how the body processes two drugs, AZD9550 and AZD6234, in people with different levels of liver problems compared to those with normal liver function. This Phase I, open-label study focuses on adults aged 18 to 85 who have severe or moderate hepatic impairment classified by Child-Pugh scores, as well as healthy controls matched for sex, age, and BMI. The study aims to understand how liver impairment affects these drugs' behavior in the body and their safety. Participants will receive a single subcutaneous dose of AZD9550 followed by a washout period, then a single dose of AZD6234. The study includes three groups: those with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C), moderate hepatic impairment (Class B), and healthy individuals with normal liver function. The study will monitor the drugs' pharmacokinetics separately to guide future dosing and safety considerations. During the trial, participants will be closely monitored from day 0 through day 56 for drug concentration levels and safety outcomes. Evaluations include blood tests for drug levels, immune response (antidrug antibodies), vital signs, and lab assessments. The study also tracks how the drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated. Participation involves several clinic visits for dosing and follow-up assessments, ensuring careful observation of the drugs' effects over nearly two months.