What is this study trying to find out about liver cancer?

This study investigates how levels of certain blood molecules called sphingolipids relate to the effectiveness of radiotherapy in liver cancer patients. Researchers aim to find early markers that predict treatment response and side effects, potentially improving personalized care. The study is led by Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University.

Who may be eligible for this liver cancer clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 80 with a clinical diagnosis of primary liver cancer who are recommended for radiotherapy by their doctor may be eligible. Participants should expect to live more than 3 months and must not have severe uncontrolled heart or lung diseases. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this liver cancer clinical trial?

Study-related care, including any tests and assessments, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel and other expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered.

Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years - 80Years

All Genders

ID06864221

Correlation Between Plasma Sphingolipid Metabolites and the Efficacy of Radiotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Led by Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University · Updated on 2025-03-12

260

Participants Needed

Research Sites

21 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore the relationship between plasma sphingolipid levels and the effectiveness of radiotherapy in patients with primary liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma. The study focuses on key metabolites like ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate, which play roles in cell signaling and apoptosis. Researchers hypothesize that these sphingolipid levels may predict how well radiotherapy works, helping to improve treatment strategies for liver cancer. The study is a single-center, prospective observational project involving 260 patients undergoing radiotherapy for liver cancer. Plasma samples will be collected before, during, and after treatment to analyze sphingolipid metabolites using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. Patients will be grouped based on their response to radiotherapy, classified by imaging criteria into responders and non-responders. The study also monitors radiation-induced side effects such as liver disease, enteritis, and bone marrow suppression. Participants will be followed for up to four years after radiotherapy, with assessments at multiple time points including 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months. Clinical imaging, laboratory tests, and adverse event monitoring will be performed to correlate sphingolipid levels with treatment outcomes and safety. The main outcome measure is the disease control rate assessed 12 weeks post-treatment, with additional measures including progression-free survival, overall survival, and treatment tolerability.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Plasma Sphingolipid Metabolites and Radiotherapy Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 80Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Patients voluntarily signed the informed consent form.
Aged between 18 and 80 years.
Clinically diagnosed with primary liver cancer according to the latest treatment guidelines.
Determined by the treating physician to require radiotherapy.
Expected survival time of more than 3 months.

You will not qualify if you...

Patients who discontinued radiotherapy or did not complete the planned treatment.
Presence of malignancies from other origins.
Severe metabolic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, significant obesity, or fatty liver disease.
Uncontrolled comorbidities, such as severe cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, that may affect treatment or study outcomes.

Research Team

Yiyi Li, PhD

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