Targeting Ischemia-Induced Autophagy Dependence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
United States93 participantsStarted 2026-04-01
Plain-language summary
Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most commonly used therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TACE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a catheter into the artery in the liver that feeds the tumor, administering chemotherapeutics and then blocking the artery with embolics in order to kill tumor cells by depriving them of essential oxygen and nutrients. While TACE has a proven survival benefit, local recurrence is common, and long-term survival rates are poor. Prior studies demonstrate that HCC cells survive the oxygen and nutrient deprivation through autophagy, a process of cellular self-eating, to provide nutrients required for survival. The proposed project will leverage this dependency to develop a novel approach to TACE that integrates autophagy inhibition to improve therapeutic response by increasing tumor cell killing and enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male or female, aged 18 years, meeting criteria for diagnosis of BCLC B HCC and referred to undergo TACE
* HCC measuring 3 cm in minimum transverse diameter and meets LI-RADS 5 criteria based on cross-sectional imaging as determined by a board-certified, sub-specialty trained radiologist
* Childs Pugh Turcotte A/B7, Performance Status 0
* Informed of investigational nature of this study with provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
Exclusion Criteria:
* QT prolongation on ECG
* Retinopathy on ophthalmologic examination
* Females who are pregnant or breast feeding at the time of screening will not be eligible for this study
* a serum or urine pregnancy test will be performed in women of child-bearing potential at screening
* Prior LRT or systemic therapy to the target lesion
* Contraindication to contrast enhanced MRI or metallic implant within the liver.
* HCQ allergy, porphyria, uncontrolled psoriasis, and existing retinopathy
* Lesion not amenable to biopsy based on pre-TACE imaging as determined by treating interventional radiologist
* Serious or unstable medical or psychological conditions that, in the opinion of the investigator, would compromise the subject's safety or successful participation in the study)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.