Recruiting

Liver transplant from a living donor for colorectal cancer spread to the liver

Plain-English translation of NCT05186116 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated July 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 a liver transplant from a living donor can be an effective treatment for people with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver in a way that cannot be surgically removed. The trial will follow patients who receive a transplant to see whether this approach helps them live longer and with better quality of life. The trial is taking place at a specialized center in Italy and aims to enroll about 25 patients.

Standard surgery doesn't work for some patients whose colorectal cancer has spread throughout the liver. Researchers believe a liver transplant from a living donor might offer these patients a chance at cure, since a living donor transplant can be scheduled at the best possible time for each patient's overall health and cancer response.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer that has spread only to your liver (not elsewhere in your body)
your liver cancer cannot be removed by standard surgery
your cancer has responded well to chemotherapy or at least remained stable for at least 4 months
you are in good enough overall health to undergo transplant surgery (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score 0–2)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome
your cancer has spread to organs outside the liver or has come back at the original tumor site
you have active HIV infection or are currently abusing alcohol or intravenous drugs
you have had another type of cancer in the past 5 years (except certain skin cancers)
you have serious psychiatric conditions or are unlikely to follow the study plan

What participation looks like

If you qualify, you will first undergo screening tests including blood work, CT scans, and PET scans to confirm you are eligible and to find a suitable living donor. While waiting for transplant, you will continue your chemotherapy and have blood tests and imaging scans every 8 weeks. Once a living donor is identified and approved, you will undergo the liver transplant surgery. After transplant, you will have regular follow-up appointments and tests to monitor your health and cancer status.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Italy

Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, MO