Focused radiation therapy for small liver cancer that has returned

Plain-English translation of NCT05596630 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 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 stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) — a highly focused form of radiation that delivers strong doses to tumors while sparing nearby healthy tissue — for people whose liver cancer has returned after initial treatment. The study will enroll 40 patients and follow them to see how well this treatment works and how safe it is.

People with liver cancer that comes back after surgery or ablation need more treatment options. This trial exists to see if this specialized radiation approach can effectively treat small recurrent tumors while keeping patients safe and without requiring additional therapies afterward.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) that has come back after surgery or ablation therapy
your cancer meets early-stage criteria: either one tumor smaller than 5 cm, or up to three tumors each smaller than 3 cm, with no spread to lymph nodes or distant organs
you had your previous surgery or ablation more than 6 months ago with no recurrence in that time
you have at least 700 milliliters of healthy liver remaining beyond the area that will receive radiation
your blood work shows adequate levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and your liver and kidney function is acceptable

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received other cancer treatments for your liver cancer before this trial
you have severe liver disease with signs of internal bleeding or very poor liver function
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to use contraception
you have had major surgery within the past month
your tumor is located less than half a centimeter from your stomach or intestines

What participation looks like

If you enroll, you will receive stereotactic body radiation therapy delivered in 4 to 5 treatment sessions spread over one week, with a total dose of at least 40 Gray. After completing treatment, you will be followed up according to a study schedule to monitor your recovery, check for any side effects, and see how well the cancer responds. You will not receive additional chemotherapy or other treatments as part of this study.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 11, 2026 · Not medical advice

Focused radiation therapy for small liver cancer that has returned

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations