Recruiting

Liver transplant versus surgery for colorectal cancer spread to the liver

Plain-English translation of NCT01479608 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2024 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is comparing two surgical approaches for colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver: a full liver transplant (where you receive a new liver from a donor) versus liver resection surgery (where doctors remove only the cancerous parts of your liver). The study wants to see which approach helps patients live longer and with better quality of life.

Currently, when colorectal cancer spreads to the liver in ways that cannot be safely removed with standard surgery, treatment options are limited. Researchers believe that a liver transplant might offer better long-term survival for carefully selected patients, but this approach is still being tested to understand who benefits most and how it compares to other surgical options.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer with adenocarcinoma cells
the cancer has spread to your liver but not to other organs or back to where the original cancer started
you have completed at least 3 cycles (6 weeks) of chemotherapy with at least 10% shrinkage of your tumors
you have good overall health and can tolerate surgery (ECOG performance status 0 or 1)
your blood work shows adequate liver, kidney, and bone marrow function
you have signed informed consent and are willing to participate in follow-up visits

You likely don't qualify if…

you have lost more than 10% of your body weight in the last 6 months
the cancer has spread outside the liver or returned at the original cancer site
you have not responded adequately to chemotherapy or your disease is getting worse
you have severe problems with liver, kidney, or bone marrow function based on blood tests
you cannot tolerate major surgery due to poor health status

What participation looks like

If you qualify for the main comparison (Arm A), you will be randomly assigned to either receive a liver transplant or undergo liver resection surgery. For other arms, you would receive a liver transplant if your liver metastases cannot be safely removed with standard surgery. You will need imaging scans (CT, MRI, PET scans) before the surgery, the surgical procedure itself, and then regular follow-up visits at the transplant center to monitor your health, check for cancer recurrence, and manage any medications or complications.

Liver transplant versus surgery for colorectal cancer spread to the liver

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)