Impact of Radiotherapy on ctDNA in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcin

Impact of Radiotherapy on ctDNA in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Clinical Trial Summary
Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for liver cancer, but it often takes months before scans can clearly show whether the treatment has worked, as imaging changes may persist even after cancer cells are destroyed. This study aims to find a faster and clearer way to monitor treatment response using a simple blood test. By tracking specific features of this circulating tumour DNA before and after radiotherapy, researchers hope to see whether blood changes can indicate treatment response earlier than scans.
What Happens During The Study
Participants will have blood drawn (~20 ml each time) at:
- Before SBRT
- During treatment (Week 1)
- After treatment (Week 2)
- 3 months after treatment
- 6 months after treatment
Scans and follow-up:
- Imaging scans (like CT/MRI) will also be done before treatment, then at 3 and 6 months to compare with blood results.
There is no experimental drug. this study only observes how things change with normal treatment.

Month 1
Week 1
- CT/MRI scan before SBRT treatment
- Participants will get SBRT treatment and have the blood drawn for the first time
Week 2
- Regular checkup, the second blood drawn
Month 3
- Regular checkup, the third blood test
- CT/MRI scan
Month 6
- Regular checkup, the final blood test
- CT/MRI scan

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You may be eligible if you:

Are 18 years or older
Are generally well and able to carry out normal daily activities (ECOG 0–1)
Have a confirmed diagnosis of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
Have a liver tumour 3 cm or larger
Are planning to receive Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for liver cancer
May have had previous liver surgery or radiofrequency ablation, as long as it was at a different site
Have well-preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A)
Are expected to live longer than 12 weeks
Have at least one tumour that can be measured on scans
Have adequate blood, liver, and kidney function, based on routine blood tests
Are able to read, understand, and sign a written consent form

You may not be eligible if you:

Have a rare subtype of liver cancer or a mixed liver cancer diagnosis
Have had another type of cancer within the past 5 years
Received TACE treatment within the last 3 months
Have previously had radiotherapy to the abdomen
Have undergone yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization
Have a recent history of poor wound healing or chronic ulcers
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have an active autoimmune disease requiring immune-suppressing treatment in the past 2 years
Have a known immune system disorder, including HIV
Have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication that makes liver biopsy unsafe

Contacts:

Principal Investigator: