Liver transplant for advanced bile duct cancer after chemotherapy

Plain-English translation of NCT06125769 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · 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?

LITALHICA is a research study exploring whether liver transplantation can help patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma—a type of bile duct cancer that cannot be surgically removed—after they have completed standard chemotherapy. The study aims to understand which patients benefit most from transplantation and to identify factors that predict good outcomes after surgery.

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is a serious cancer that often cannot be removed by surgery alone. This trial explores whether liver transplantation might offer hope for carefully selected patients who have responded well to chemotherapy, and seeks to identify which patients are most likely to have good long-term results.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (a type of bile duct cancer) that cannot be surgically removed
your tumor is small enough (3 cm or less in diameter) and has not spread to distant parts of your body
you have completed at least six months of standard chemotherapy and your cancer has remained stable or improved
you have had your initial diagnosis at least six months before enrolling in the study
you do not have cancer that has spread to blood vessels or outside the liver

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy for any reason
you have already had surgery to remove part of your bile ducts or liver for this cancer
your tumor is larger than 3 cm in diameter
you have an active infection that cannot be controlled with treatment
you have a history of another cancer (unless it was treated successfully more than five years ago with no return)

What participation looks like

First, you will receive six months of standard chemotherapy while being monitored closely by a team of cancer specialists. After chemotherapy, you will have imaging scans to confirm your cancer has not progressed. If you remain eligible, you will be placed on a waiting list for a liver transplant and continue chemotherapy until a donor liver becomes available. When a suitable liver is found, you will undergo surgery to remove your liver and replace it with the donor liver, with careful examination of nearby lymph nodes during the procedure.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 10, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Italy

Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padova, PADOVA