HOPE-NMP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
End-ischemic hypothermic oxygenated (HOPE) versus normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) compared to conventional cold storage in donation after brain death (DBD) liver transplantation; a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial (HOPE-NMP)
IRAS ID
361656
Contact name
Miriam Cortes Cerisuelo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cellitinnen-Severinsklösterchen Krankenhaus der Augustinerinnen,
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 29 days
Research summary
Liver transplantation is the standard treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. However, there is a significant shortage of suitable donor organs. To increase the number of available livers for transplantation, organs from so-called "extended criteria donors" (ECD) are increasingly used. These are organs from donors with certain risk factors, such as older age or longer time on life support before donation.
Because ECD livers are more vulnerable to damage during storage and transport, new techniques are needed to better preserve and protect them before transplantation. Traditionally, organs are stored on ice (called conventional cold storage, or CCS). In recent years, dynamic machine perfusion has been developed to improve organ quality before transplant. Two main approaches are currently in use:
- HOPE (hypothermic oxygenated perfusion): cold preservation with oxygen-rich solution.
- NMP (normothermic machine perfusion): perfusion at body temperature to maintain metabolism.
This international clinical trial aims to compare these two perfusion methods (HOPE and NMP) with conventional cold storage in patients receiving a liver from a brain-dead donor. A total of 213 patients will be included in the trial.
The study will measure short- and long-term transplant outcomes, including complications, organ function, patient and graft survival, and quality of life. Blood and tissue samples will be taken to understand how the different preservation methods affect organ health on a cellular level.
This research will help determine which technique is most effective and safest for ECD liver transplantation, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and making better use of available donor organs.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EM/0088
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion