NCT07507643 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A Study of Methylprednisolone in People Having Liver Surgery
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to test whether receiving methylprednisolone before surgery will reduce the side effects of having surgery, such as infections and longer hospital stays.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to test whether receiving methylprednisolone before surgery will reduce the side effects of having surgery, such as infections and longer hospital stays.
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
- Age ≥18 years at the time of consent.
- Scheduled to undergo elective major hepatectomy (defined by CPT codes 47122 \[trisegmentectomy\], 47125 \[total left hepatectomy\], or 47130 \[total right hepatectomy\]).
- In addition to major hepatectomy, as defined above, patients may undergo additional partial hepatectomy or operative ablation.
Exclusion criteria
- Known or documented adverse reactions to methylprednisolone.
- Unable to receive methylprednisolone because of coexisting medical conditions.
- Long-term (≥10-day course) systemic corticosteroid use, regardless of dose, if doses have been administered within 30 days of the planned date of surgery. This will not apply to steroids administered, in accordance with the standard of care, with preoperative chemotherapy. The following uses of corticosteroids are permitted: single doses, topical applications (e.g., for rash), inhaled sprays (e.g., for obstructive-airway diseases), eye drops, and local injections (e.g., intra-articular).
- Significant chance (based on surgeon judgement) of being unable to successfully complete surgery because of unresectability.
- Expected or highly likely to undergo concomitant major organ resection (stomach, pancreas, colon, rectum, uterus, ovaries, bladder, kidney, small bowel).
- Expected or highly likely to undergo biliary tree reconstruction via creation of a biliary-enteric anastomosis.
- Scheduled to undergo concurrent insertion of a hepatic artery infusion pump device.
- Estimated renal dysfunction defined by any of the following: creatinine clearance ≤40 mL/min as calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault Equation, currently on hemodialysis, currently on peritoneal dialysis.
- Dependence on mechanical ventilation before surgery.
- Pregnant or nursing (lactating), where pregnancy is defined as the state of a female after conception and until the termination of gestation, confirmed by a positive hCG laboratory test.
- Known at the time of enrollment to have a bacterial infection that is expected to be present at the time of surgery or receipt of systemic antibiotic or antifungal therapy within 7 days before surgery.
- Unable to provide informed consent
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Detroit, Michigan
- Rochester, Minnesota
- St Louis, Missouri
- Omaha, Nebraska
- New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- Manhasset, New York
And 5 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 Jul 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations