NCT04965454 · Queen's Medical Center
Evaluation of Treatment Predictors Reflecting Beta-catenin Activation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
(ExTRACT-HCC)
What this study is about
This forward-looking clinical trial will evaluate PET/CT and genomic liquid biopsy based biomarkers as predictors of clinical therapeutic response to immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
View original scientific description
This prospective clinical trial will evaluate PET/CT and genomic liquid biopsy based biomarkers as predictors of clinical therapeutic response to immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The primary objective of this diagnostic trial is to assess the accuracy of pre-treatment fluorine-18 (18F-) fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT for predicting a lack of objective response (LOR) after 16 weeks of ICI therapy.
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 or older (no upper limit of age)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis made histologically or radiographically in accordance to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines (3.2019 version or higher)
- Does not qualify for surgical resection or locoregional therapy alone or has disease that has progressed after surgical resection and/or locoregional therapy
- Has measurable disease defined as at least one tumor lesion that can be accurately measured according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 on CT/MRI completed within past 6 weeks of eligibility screening
- Under the care of a licensed medical oncologist
- Life expectancy \> 6 months
- Deemed eligible for treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor agent based on the treating medical oncologist's assessment of previous treatment failure, clinical/performance/virology status, and liver/renal/hematologic function.
- Child-Pugh score of 9 or less
- Creatinine clearance ≥ 40 mL/min, measured or calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula
- ALT and AST ≤7x upper limit of normal
- Total bilirubin ≤4 mg/dL
- Albumin ≥2.8 g/dL
Exclusion criteria
- Weight \> 500 lbs (PET/CT limit)
- Pregnant or lactating female (those of child-bearing potential must be re-screened within 7 days prior to PET/CT imaging)
- Serious underlying medical condition that would impair patient's ability to tolerate the imaging procedure
- Concurrent treatment with a non-targeted therapeutic agent. Concurrent enrollment in an ICI-treatment trial and combination ICI treatment are allowed.
Where
- Honolulu, Hawaii
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 May 1, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations