How liver grows back after staged surgery for liver cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT07142213 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This study is looking at how the liver regenerates (grows back) after a special two-stage surgical procedure called ALPPS, which is used to treat advanced liver cancer. During this procedure, doctors first partially separate the liver and tie off a major blood vessel to encourage rapid growth of the remaining liver tissue. Then, in a second surgery weeks later, they remove the cancer. Researchers will study tissue samples and medical data collected during your standard surgical care to understand what happens at the cellular and genetic level when your liver regrows.

Many patients with liver cancer have tumors that are too large or spread too widely to remove safely in one operation, because removing them would leave too little healthy liver behind to support life. This two-stage procedure helps the liver grow larger between surgeries, making it safer to remove the cancer completely. However, doctors don't fully understand how well this regenerated liver works long-term or whether it affects cancer recurrence, and this study aims to answer those questions.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 75 years old
you have been diagnosed with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma) and your doctors have determined you are a good candidate for the ALPPS procedure
your liver function is relatively good before surgery (Child-Pugh score A or B, with a MELD score of 15 or lower)
your tumor is large or complex enough that the ALPPS procedure is needed to ensure enough healthy liver remains after surgery
your liver has grown by at least 30% after the first stage of surgery, making you eligible for the second stage

You likely don't qualify if…

you have cancer that has spread to distant organs (like extensive bone or lung metastases) that cannot be surgically removed
your liver function is very poor before surgery or you have advanced liver scarring
you have severe heart, kidney, or lung disease that would make major surgery too risky
your liver did not grow enough (less than 30% enlargement) after the first surgery stage
you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What participation looks like

If you qualify and choose to participate, your involvement centers on your standard surgical care—no extra procedures are being added to the study. During your two-stage ALPPS surgery, doctors will collect small samples of liver tissue during your operations and gather your medical information as part of routine care. Researchers will then analyze these samples using advanced laboratory techniques to understand how your liver cells change and communicate during the healing process. You'll be followed according to your normal cancer follow-up schedule, and the study team will track your recovery and long-term outcomes.

How liver grows back after staged surgery for liver cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)