HOPE4Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) against cancer recurrence in HCC liver transplantation - International multicentre parallel group interventional RCT
IRAS ID
354376
Contact name
Miriam Cortes Cerisuelo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Digestive Health Care Centre Basel
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer. However, some patients experience cancer recurrence after the transplant. The HOPE4Cancer study aims to investigate whether a technique called hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE/DHOPE) can reduce the risk of HCC returning after a liver transplant.
HOPE/DHOPE is a method where a donated liver is treated with oxygenated cold fluid before transplantation. This technique has been shown to improve organ quality and may lower inflammation-related risks, which could help prevent cancer recurrence.
This study is an international, multicentre, randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing the HOPE/DHOPE technique with the standard cold storage method used before transplantation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the HOPE/DHOPE group or the control group.
A total of 220 liver transplant recipients with HCC will take part in the study. The primary goal is to assess whether HOPE/DHOPE improves recurrence-free survival after transplantation. Secondary objectives include measuring tumour-related markers in the blood, assessing liver function, and monitoring postoperative complications.
Participants will have regular follow-up visits for two years, including blood tests, CT scans. The study follows strict ethical guidelines and data protection regulations, ensuring patient safety and confidentiality.
The results of this study could improve liver transplant outcomes and provide a new approach to reducing cancer recurrence, ultimately benefiting future patients worldwide.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SC/0324
Date of REC Opinion
21 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion