Blood-Based Biomarkers for Prediction and Monitoring of Response to TACE in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study

What this Trial Is About

This observational study focuses on adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are candidates for Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) treatment. It aims to evaluate changes in selected blood-based biomarkers and their potential relationship with early radiological treatment outcomes measured by the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). The study explores whether biomarker changes correlate with the success of TACE as part of standard care for HCC patients with preserved liver function and good performance status. Participants will receive standard-of-care TACE as determined by their medical team. Blood samples will be collected before the first TACE procedure and during follow-up visits on the day of subsequent TACE treatments or control CT scans. Routine clinical and radiological evaluations, including multiphase CT or MRI scans, will be performed four to eight weeks after each procedure to monitor tumor response and liver function. During the study, researchers will collect data from medical records and diagnostic tests. They will assess biomarker changes, tumor marker levels, radiological response, and liver function over time. The primary outcome is the correlation between blood biomarkers and early radiological response within 4-8 weeks post-TACE. The study provides ongoing monitoring through follow-up imaging and blood tests, with participant involvement lasting through these assessment periods.

Exploratory Blood-Based Biomarkers in TACE-Treated Hepatocellular Carcinoma