Liver transplant for bile duct cancer that cannot be surgically removed

Plain-English translation of NCT04556214 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2023 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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 testing whether liver transplantation (replacing a diseased liver with a healthy donor liver) can improve survival and quality of life for people with a type of bile duct cancer called intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma that cannot be treated with regular surgery. The trial will also analyze blood and tissue samples to help doctors predict which patients might have cancer return after transplant.

Most people with advanced bile duct cancer that cannot be surgically removed have very few treatment options and poor survival rates. This trial explores whether liver transplant—a major surgery that removes the entire diseased liver and replaces it with a healthy one—could offer a better chance of survival and longer-term disease control.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer inside the liver) confirmed by biopsy
your cancer cannot be removed by standard surgery because of its location or because your liver is too damaged
you have no signs that the cancer has spread outside your liver or to nearby lymph nodes
you have already received at least 6 months of chemotherapy or other cancer treatment
you are at least 18 years old and in generally good health (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1)
it has been at least 12 months since your cancer diagnosis before you are listed for transplant

You likely don't qualify if…

you have cancer that has spread outside your liver or to distant organs
you have significant involvement of major blood vessels by the tumor
you have lost more than 15% of your body weight in the last 6 months
you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30
you have a known history of HIV infection or have received a prior organ transplant

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will undergo a liver transplant performed by the transplant team at Oslo University Hospital according to their standard procedures. Before the transplant, doctors will do exploratory surgery to check that cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. After transplant, you will have regular follow-up visits and blood tests to monitor your health, and your tissue samples will be analyzed to help doctors understand your cancer and predict your long-term outcome.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Norway

Oslo University Hospital, Oslo