NCT06914648 · Maastricht University
The Dragon PLC Trial (DRAGON-PLC)
What this study is about
The goal of the DRAGON PLC clinical trial is to determine whether portal vein embolization (PVE) combined with hepatic vein embolization (HVE) improves resectability and how long patients live in patients with initially unresectable primary liver cancer compared to standard PVE alone. This trial specifically focuses on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
View original scientific description
The goal of the DRAGON PLC clinical trial is to determine whether portal vein embolization (PVE) combined with hepatic vein embolization (HVE) improves resectability and overall survival in patients with initially unresectable primary liver cancer compared to standard PVE alone. This trial specifically focuses on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. The main questions this trial aims to answer are whether combined PVE and HVE increases the proportion of patients who become resectable within 3 weeks and improves 5-year overall survival compared to PVE alone by enhancing liver hypertrophy. Participants will: * Undergo either standard PVE or combined PVE and HVE. * Have regular imaging to assess liver resectability. * Be monitored for survival outcomes up to 5 years after intervention.
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
- PLC diagnosis, specifically iCCC, pCCC, and HCC;
- Requiring PVE due to an FLR volume is \<30% in normally functioning livers, \<40% in livers with potentially impaired function e.g. resulting from prior systemic therapy induction or bile duct colonization / transpapillary biliary drainage, or \<50% in livers with severely impaired function resulting from liver cirrhosis (max. Child Pugh A5) OR function on hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HEBIS) is \< 2.7 %/min/m2;
- Age ≥ 18 years;
- Able to understand the trial and provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Liver cirrhosis with a Child-Pugh score of B or C;
- Presence of portal hypertension;
- Presence of cholangitis;
- Pregnant women;
- Premenopausal females not able/willing to commit to contraception (specifically long-acting reversible contraception or hormonal contraception);
- Patients unresectable due to prohibitive comorbidities (decision made by local multidisciplinary team);
- Patients with hepatic malignancies other than iCCC, pCCC or HCC;
- PVE/HVE anatomically not feasible;
- Any patient with non-resectable or non-ablatable extrahepatic metastatic disease.
- Unable to understand the study information, study instructions and give informed consent
Where
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Chicago, Illinois
- Rochester, Minnesota
- New York, New York
- Cleveland, Ohio
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 15, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations