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NCT07166406 · NRG Oncology

Testing Immunotherapy With or Without Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Patients With Advanced Liver Cancer, HELIO-RT Trial

What this study is about

This phase III trial compares the effect of immunotherapy (IO) with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to IO alone in treating patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular cancer) that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced).

View original scientific description

This phase III trial compares the effect of immunotherapy (IO) with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to IO alone in treating patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular cancer) that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced). The usual approach is treatment with IO-based drug combinations, such as atezolizumab and bevacizumab, durvalumab and tremelimumab, or ipilimumab and nivolumab. IO with monoclonal antibodies, such as durvalumab, tremelimumab, atezolizumab, nivolumab and ipilimumab, may help the body's immune system attack the tumor, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Bevacizumab is in a class of medications called antiangiogenic agents. It works by stopping the formation of blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to tumor. This may slow the growth and spread of tumor cells. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. SBRT is a type of external radiation therapy that uses special equipment to position a patient and precisely deliver radiation to tumors in the body (except the brain). The total dose of radiation is divided into smaller doses given over several days. This type of radiation therapy helps spare normal tissue. Giving IO with SBRT may be more effective than IO alone in helping patients with advanced hepatocellular cancer live longer.

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • PRIOR TO STEP 1 REGISTRATION:
  • Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by at least 1 criterion listed below:
  • Pathologically (histologically or cytologically) proven diagnosis of HCC (strongly recommended)
  • Radiographically proven (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases \[AASLD\] criteria) diagnosis of HCC by multiphasic MRI and/or CT scan is allowed.
  • For patients with a prior or concurrent malignancy, pathologic confirmation of hepatocellular cancer is required.
  • HCC macrovascular invasion, defined as enhancing vascular thrombosis demonstrating arterial enhancement and venous or delayed venous washout on multiphasic MRI and/or CT is required.
  • Presence of extrahepatic metastatic disease on CT chest and CT or MRI pelvis, or PET/CT chest/abdomen/pelvis is permitted.
  • 5 or fewer discrete intrahepatic parenchymal foci of HCC.
  • Total maximal sum of hepatocellular carcinoma tumors, as a single conglomerate, multiple lesions, or infiltrative HCC \< 20 cm in total summed diameter.
  • No direct primary tumor extension into the stomach, duodenum, small bowel, or large bowel.
  • No known fibrolamellar HCC, sarcomatoid HCC, or biphenotypic HCC.
  • Child-Pugh class A or B7 liver function.
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2.
  • Not pregnant and not nursing
  • Negative urine or serum pregnancy test (in persons of childbearing potential) within 30 days prior to registration. Childbearing potential is defined as any person who has experienced menarche and who has not undergone surgical sterilization (hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy) or who is not postmenopausal.
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,500 cells/mm\^3.
  • Platelets ≥ 60,000 cells/mm\^3.
  • Hemoglobin ≥ 8g/dl (Note: The use of transfusion or other intervention to achieve hemoglobin \[Hgb\] ≥ 8g/dl is acceptable).
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 6 x institutional upper limit of normal (ULN).
  • Total bilirubin \< 4 x institutional ULN.
  • Creatinine clearance (CrCL) ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m\^2 by the Cockcroft-Gault formula.
  • For treatment of HCC:
  • Prior surgical resection, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and ablation are permitted.
  • No prior systemic therapy or transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for HCC.
  • No history of liver transplantation.
  • For prior treatment for any malignancy:
  • Prior systemic therapy for a different cancer is allowable, except for prior immunotherapy.
  • No prior radiotherapy to the region of the study cancer that would result in significant overlap of radiation therapy fields that would lead to excessive cumulative toxicity at the discretion of the investigator.
  • No medical contraindication to the standard of care immunotherapy.
  • For patients to be treated with atezolizumab/bevacizumab:
  • No history of a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed or other clinically significant bleeding event within 6 months prior to study registration.
  • Systemic immunostimulatory agents (including, but not limited to, interferons and interleukin-2 \[IL-2\]) are prohibited within 4 weeks or five drug elimination half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to registration and during the study period.
  • No history of allergic reaction to the systemic therapy agent(s), compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to the systemic therapy agent(s) (or any of its excipients).
  • PRIOR TO STEP 2 RANDOMIZATION:
  • Obtain confirmation of payment coverage (insurance or other) for both possible treatment arms.

Where

  • Berkeley, California
  • Cameron Park, California
  • Fremont, California
  • Irvine, California
  • Mountain View, California
  • Orange, California
  • Palo Alto, California
  • Roseville, California
  • Sacramento, California
  • San Francisco, California
  • Santa Rosa, California
  • Sunnyvale, California

And 99 more locations — see the full list below.

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

RECRUITING

Berkeley

California

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Cameron Park

California

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Fremont

California

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Irvine

California

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Mountain View

California

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Orange

California

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Palo Alto

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Roseville

California

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Roseville

California

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And 129 more locations available.

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment in Berkeley?

Join others in California exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Options in Berkeley, California

If you're searching for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma treatment in Berkeley, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Berkeley, Cameron Park, Fremont and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in California
Now Enrolling
Up to 226 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT07166406. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.