Liver transplant after chemotherapy and radiation for advanced bile duct cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT06850753 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2025 · 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 a new surgical approach for people with a type of cancer called perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the bile ducts near the liver) that cannot be removed by standard surgery. The treatment involves receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy for at least 6 months, followed by removal of the liver and pancreas together, and then receiving a liver transplant. The goal is to improve survival for patients whose cancer is considered too advanced for standard treatment options.

People with advanced bile duct cancer have very limited treatment options and poor survival rates because the cancer often comes back even after surgery. This trial exists because doctors believe that removing more tissue (the liver and pancreas together) and then transplanting a new liver may give patients a better chance of survival than current treatments.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (a cancer of the bile ducts) that doctors say cannot be removed by standard surgery
your cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body or to major lymph nodes around your organs
you are in good overall health and able to handle chemotherapy and major surgery
you have received at least 6 months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and your cancer is stable or shrinking
your cancer is not eligible for liver transplant under current standard criteria

You likely don't qualify if…

you have signs that cancer has invaded major blood vessels or spread along planned surgical borders
you have lost more than 10% of your body weight in the last 6 months
you have a body mass index (BMI) over 30
you have a history of HIV infection or active substance abuse
you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will first complete chemotherapy and radiation therapy over at least 6 months while doctors monitor how well the treatment is working. After this observation period, if your cancer remains stable or has shrunk and you meet all other requirements, you will be listed for a liver transplant. The surgery involves removal of your liver and pancreas together, followed by transplantation of a donor liver. You will then need lifelong follow-up care and medications to prevent rejection of your new liver.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 30, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Norway

Oslo University Hospital, Oslo

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov