Actively Recruiting
Targeting Ischemia-Induced Autophagy Dependence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-04-16
93
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
236 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most commonly used therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TACE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a catheter into the artery in the liver that feeds the tumor, administering chemotherapeutics and then blocking the artery with embolics in order to kill tumor cells by depriving them of essential oxygen and nutrients. While TACE has a proven survival benefit, local recurrence is common, and long-term survival rates are poor. Prior studies demonstrate that HCC cells survive the oxygen and nutrient deprivation through autophagy, a process of cellular self-eating, to provide nutrients required for survival. The proposed project will leverage this dependency to develop a novel approach to TACE that integrates autophagy inhibition to improve therapeutic response by increasing tumor cell killing and enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Targeting Ischemia-Induced Autophagy Dependence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male or female aged 18 years or older with diagnosis of BCLC B hepatocellular carcinoma referred for TACE
- Liver tumor measuring at least 3 cm in minimum diameter and meeting LI-RADS 5 criteria by imaging
- Child-Pugh Turcotte class A or B7 liver function and performance status 0
- Provided signed informed consent after being informed about the investigational nature of the study
- Willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for entire study duration
You will not qualify if you...
- QT prolongation on ECG
- Retinopathy detected by eye examination
- Pregnant or breastfeeding females at screening (pregnancy test required for women of child-bearing potential)
- Prior local regional therapy or systemic therapy to the target lesion
- Contraindication to contrast-enhanced MRI or presence of metallic implant in the liver
- Allergy to hydroxychloroquine, porphyria, uncontrolled psoriasis, or existing retinopathy
- Tumor lesion not suitable for biopsy based on imaging
- Serious or unstable medical or psychological conditions that may risk safety or study participation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104-4551
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Terence P Gade, MD PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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