Liver cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with most cases arising in people who have cirrhosis from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or fatty liver disease. Treatment depends heavily on how much the cancer has spread and how well the liver still works, since many patients have underlying liver disease that limits what therapies they can tolerate.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors with VEGF blockers, CAR-T cells engineered to target liver tumors, drugs that address the tumor's surrounding blood vessels and immune environment, and ways to deliver chemotherapy or radiation directly into liver tumors. Researchers are also studying earlier detection methods and prevention strategies in high-risk groups.
Immunotherapy combinations
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab became the first treatment to beat sorafenib in advanced liver cancer and is now a standard option. Trials are testing other checkpoint inhibitor pairs and adding treatments that target the tumor blood supply.
Localized delivery
Treatments that deliver radiation or chemotherapy beads directly into liver tumors through blood vessels can destroy tumors while sparing healthy tissue. Studies are comparing different delivery methods and testing them earlier in treatment.
CAR-T and cell therapy
Early trials are testing CAR-T cells that target proteins common on liver cancer cells. These engineered immune cells have shown promise in blood cancers and are now being adapted for solid tumors.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on liver function scores, extent of tumor spread, prior treatments, hepatitis status, and whether tumors can be measured on scans.
What types of trials are currently open
- Immunotherapy trials — Testing checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination, often comparing them to standard treatments like sorafenib or lenvatinib.
- Targeted therapy trials — Testing drugs that block specific growth signals in liver cancer cells or cut off their blood supply.
- Localized treatment trials — Testing radioembolization, chemoembolization, or ablation techniques that treat tumors directly in the liver.
- Combination trials — Testing whether combining systemic drugs with localized treatments works better than either approach alone.
- Prevention trials — Testing whether drugs can prevent liver cancer in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.
Recently added Liver Cancer trials
Receive a new radiation therapy system designed for shorter, easier treatments
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the "Next Generation Delivery System" (NGDS) and determine if this machine will be more efficient at delivering radiation in shorter treatment time and better patient tolerance, with less breath holding.
Share your health data to help predict liver cancer risk
Evaluating the effectiveness of standardized HCC risk stratification management in improving early diagnosis rates in patients with chronic liver disease
Find Liver Cancer trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.