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Home › Conditions › Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Part of Cancer

Subtypes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma 7 Liver tumors 1

72 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

159 trials tracked for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: 31 in phase 3 or 4 and 15 with published results. The most-cited published study has 3670 citations.

159Trials tracked
31Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
15With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 6 Phase 3 25 Phase 2 83 Phase 1 12 Other / NA 33
  1. Phase 3 Study of Regorafenib After Sorafenib in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed · 3,670 cited
  2. Phase 3 Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) vs. Best Supportive Care in Participants With Previously Systemically Treated Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (MK-3475-240/KEYNOTE-240) Completed · 1,824 cited
  3. Phase 3 A Study of Atezolizumab in Combination With Bevacizumab Compared With Sorafenib in Patients With Untreated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed · 1,646 cited
  4. Phase 3 An Investigational Immuno-therapy Study of Nivolumab Compared to Sorafenib as a First Treatment in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed · 1,099 cited
  5. Phase 3 Safety and Efficacy of Lenvatinib (E7080/MK-7902) in Combination With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Versus Lenvatinib as First-line Therapy in Participants With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (MK-7902-002/E7080-G000-311/LEAP-002) Completed · 424 cited
  6. Phase 3 Study of Tivantinib in Subjects With Inoperable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Who Have Been Treated With One Prior Therapy Completed · 349 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 4 Huaier Granule for Prevention of Recurrence and Metastasis of Hepatocarcinoma After Radical Hepatectomy Completed · 262 cited
  2. Phase 3 Study of Apatinib After Systemic Therapy in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma(AHELP) Completed · 256 cited
  3. Phase 3 Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) or Placebo Given With Best Supportive Care in Asian Participants With Previously Treated Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (MK-3475-394/KEYNOTE-394) Completed · 189 cited
  4. Phase 3 Study of Cabozantinib (XL184) vs Placebo in Subjects With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Who Have Received Prior Sorafenib Completed · 84 cited
  5. Phase 3 Safety and Efficacy of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Versus Placebo as Adjuvant Therapy in Participants With Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and Complete Radiological Response After Surgical Resection or Local Ablation (MK-3475-937 / KEYNOTE-937) Completed · 84 cited
  6. Phase 3 A Study of Ramucirumab (LY3009806) Versus Placebo in Participants With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Elevated Baseline Alpha-Fetoprotein Completed · 67 cited
  7. Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety Doxorubicin Transdrug Study in Patients Suffering From Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed · 61 cited
  8. Phase 3 Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Evaluation of Chemoembolization Completed · 25 cited
  9. Phase 3 A Study of Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) in Combination With Bevacizumab to Investigate Safety and Efficacy in Patients With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Not Previously Treated With Systemic Therapy-Amethista Completed · 18 cited
  10. Phase 4 Hepatic Xenetix-CT Perfusion Completed
  11. Phase 4 Efficacy and Safety of Drug Eluting Beads TACE in Treatment of HCC in Egyptian Patients Completed
  12. Phase 4 Accuracy of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post TACE Completed
  13. Phase 4 SIR-Spheres Study to Calculate the Radiation-Absorbed Dose of 99mTc-MAA Completed
  14. Phase 4 Sorafenib Dose Ramp-Up in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Completed
  15. Phase 3 Phase 3 Study of ThermoDox With Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Completed
  16. Phase 3 Chemoembolization With or Without Sorafenib Tosylate in Treating Patients With Liver Cancer That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery Completed
  17. Phase 3 Study of ThermoDox With Standardized Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Completed
  18. Phase 3 A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study of Sorafenib in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  19. Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety of Immuncell-LC Group and Non-treatment Group in Hepatocelluar Carcinoma Patients Completed
  20. Phase 3 Pegylated Alfa-2b Interferon Therapy of Patients With Hepatitis C-related Cirrhosis and High Liver Cell Proliferation (P02733/MK-4031-085) Completed
  21. Phase 3 Nexavar-Tarceva Combination Therapy for First Line Treatment of Patients Diagnosed With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  22. Phase 3 A Phase III Study of Sorafenib in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  23. Phase 3 Sorafenib as Adjuvant Treatment in the Prevention Of Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (STORM) Completed
  24. Phase 3 A Study of Ramucirumab (IMC-1121B) Drug Product (DP) and Best Supportive Care (BSC) Versus Placebo and BSC as 2nd-Line Treatment in Participants With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After 1st-Line Therapy With Sorafenib Completed
  25. Phase 3 Phase III Study of BAY43-9006 in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Treated After Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Completed
  26. Phase 2 Preliminary Antitumor Activity, Safety and Tolerability of Tislelizumab in Combination With Lenvatinib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  27. Phase 2 A Phase II Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study of Sorafenib or Placebo in Combination With Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Performed With DC Bead and Doxorubicin for Intermediate Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Completed
  28. Phase 2 Low Dose ICG for Biliary Tract and Tumor Imaging Completed
  29. Phase 2 Pembrolizumab in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma as Second-line Treatment After Failure of Sorafenib Completed
  30. Phase 2 Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetic of MSC2156119J in Asian Participants With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  31. Phase 2 A Study of SAR444245 Combined With Other Anticancer Therapies for the Treatment of Participants With Gastrointestinal Cancer (Master Protocol) (Pegathor Gastrointestinal 203) Completed
  32. Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy of Telatinib in Combination With Keytruda in Subjects With Advanced Stomach and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancers or Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  33. Phase 2 Efficacy of Sofosbuvir With Ribavirin Administered Pre-Transplant in Preventing Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Recurrence Post-Transplant Completed
  34. Phase 2 Study of Mogamulizumab + Nivolumab in Subjects w/Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors Completed
  35. Phase 2 Doxorubicin-eluting LC Bead M1 for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  36. Phase 2 A Study to Investigate Sitravatinib as Monotherapy and in Combination With Tislelizumab in Participants With Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma or Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer Completed
  37. Phase 2 A Pilot Study of Combined Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Combination With Ablative Therapies in Subjects With Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) or Biliary Tract Carcinomas (BTC) Completed
  38. Phase 2 Proof of Concept Study Concerning Efficacy of P03277 MR Imaging in HCC Diagnosis Completed
  39. Phase 2 Phase I/II Study of OPB-31121 in Patients With Progressive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  40. Phase 2 A Phase I / II Trial of Nintedanib in Asian Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Completed
  41. Phase 2 Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  42. Phase 2 E7050 in Combination With Sorafenib Versus Sorafenib Alone as First Line Therapy in Participants With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed
  43. Phase 2 Efficacy and Safety Study of Bevacizumab and Erlotinib to Treat Primary Liver Cancer That Cannot be Removed By Surgery Completed
  44. Phase 2 A Study of Recombinant Vaccinia Virus to Treat Unresectable Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 159 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: what the trials found

Several systemic therapies have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in survival and response rates for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Regorafenib significantly improved time to progression (TTP), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective tumor response rate (ORR) 11. Cabozantinib showed superior OS, PFS, and ORR compared to standard treatments 19, while Ramucirumab also demonstrated significant improvements in OS, PFS, and time to radiographic progression 20.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown varying degrees of efficacy. Pembrolizumab demonstrated improved PFS, OS, and TTP in specific cohorts 12 and showed superior OS and ORR in another trial 18. Atezolizumab was associated with significantly improved OS in both global and Chinese populations, as well as improved PFS-IRF 13. Lenvatinib also demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival 15.

Other interventions have shown specific clinical benefits. Huaier Granule was associated with a lower incidence of recurrence and metastasis post-hepatectomy and longer postoperative survival periods 5. Sorafenib showed significantly higher cumulative dose delivery in certain regimens 10. Additionally, contrast-enhanced ultrasound demonstrated high accuracy (over 90%) in identifying patients requiring tumor re-treatment following chemoembolization 22.

Some treatments did not reach statistical significance in primary endpoints. Nivolumab did not show a statistically significant difference in OS 14, and Tivantinib did not significantly improve OS or PFS compared to placebo 16. Doxorubicin showed no significant differences in OS, PFS, or ORR 21.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Durvalumab (Phase 2) 2
  • SHR 1210+apatinib (Phase 2) 3
  • Itacitinib (Phase 1) 4

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Regorafenib, Cabozantinib, and Ramucirumab are established options that provide statistically significant improvements in OS, PFS, and/or ORR.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab, and Lenvatinib have demonstrated significant survival benefits in specific patient populations.
  • Huaier Granule shows clinical benefit regarding recurrence rates and postoperative survival, while contrast-enhanced ultrasound is an effective tool for identifying patients needing re-treatment.

AI synthesis of 16 cited trials, updated Jun 25, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Combination immunotherapy and targeted therapy regimens show favorable survival outcomes versus monotherapies in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Oncology RCT
Combination immunotherapy and targeted therapy regimens show favorable survival outcomes versus monotherapies in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma New Data Reveals Which Liver Cancer Treatments Work Best Over Time
This systematic review and pooled analysis of parametric survival curves from 15 randomized controlled trials evaluated first-line treatment…
This research shows that combining two different cancer drugs helps patients live longer than using just one, but the benefit isn't constant…
Frontiers Jun 4, 2026
Thiazolidinediones show lower hepatocellular carcinoma risk than DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1RAs, insulin, and sulfonylureas in this network meta-analysis
Diabetes & Endocrinology Meta-analysis
Thiazolidinediones show lower hepatocellular carcinoma risk than DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1RAs, insulin, and sulfonylureas in this network meta-analysis New analysis links diabetes drugs to liver outcomes in millions of patients
This network meta-analysis evaluated major adverse liver outcomes among 7124845 adults with type 2 diabetes using glucose-lowering drug clas…
A massive analysis of millions of patients found some diabetes medications linked to lower risks of serious liver events compared to others.
Diab Care Jun 1, 2026
Combining Pentraxin-3 and AFP increases sensitivity to 0.92 for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis in chronic liver disease
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Combining Pentraxin-3 and AFP increases sensitivity to 0.92 for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis in chronic liver disease New blood test helps doctors find liver cancer earlier with better accuracy than old methods alone
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated diagnostic markers in adults with chronic liver disease suspected of hepatocellular carci…
A review of 1,179 patients shows a new marker called PTX3 works well for finding liver cancer. Using both PTX3 and AFP together finds more c…
Jun 1, 2026
Narrative review on KMT2C alterations in gastrointestinal cancers and therapeutic implications
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
Narrative review on KMT2C alterations in gastrointestinal cancers and therapeutic implications Genetic changes in gut cancers may open new treatment doors for patients
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on KMT2C alterations across gastrointestinal malignancies. It links KMT2C dysfunction to transcri…
A review of genetic changes in gastrointestinal cancers suggests new ways to treat tumors by targeting specific DNA repair weaknesses.
Frontiers May 28, 2026
Review of antiviral and immunotherapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B
Allergy & Immunology Sys. Review
Review of antiviral and immunotherapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B New antiviral strategies show promise for chronic hepatitis B infection
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on antiviral and immunotherapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B. The authors highlight func…
A review of new treatments suggests combination therapies may offer future value for managing chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and liver canc…
Frontiers May 18, 2026
FDA approves OPDIVO QVANTIG for multiple advanced cancer indications including renal cell carcinoma and melanoma
Oncology FDA Approval
FDA approves OPDIVO QVANTIG for multiple advanced cancer indications including renal cell carcinoma and melanoma FDA approves subcutaneous nivolumab combination for multiple advanced cancers
This FDA approval document grants authorization for OPDIVO QVANTIG, a subcutaneous combination of nivolumab and hyaluronidase, for specified…
The FDA has approved a new subcutaneous form of nivolumab for several advanced cancers, offering a more convenient treatment option for elig…
FDA May 15, 2026
Bayesian network meta-analysis of first-line immunotherapy versus TKI for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Allergy & Immunology Meta-analysis
Bayesian network meta-analysis of first-line immunotherapy versus TKI for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma Immunotherapy Outperforms Standard Care for Advanced Liver Cancer
This Bayesian network meta-analysis of 7,301 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma synthesized evidence from randomized trials. It…
A new analysis of 10 clinical trials shows that immunotherapy drugs help people with advanced liver cancer live longer than standard treatme…
Frontiers May 14, 2026
Narrative review on hepatocellular carcinoma highlights translational gaps and heterogeneity
Drug Pipeline Sys. Review
Narrative review on hepatocellular carcinoma highlights translational gaps and heterogeneity Liver Cancer Secretly Uses Acid to Grow Stronger Inside You
This narrative review synthesizes challenges in hepatocellular carcinoma research. It notes considerable gaps between preclinical findings a…
• Lactate isn't waste but fuels liver cancer growth • Future patients could get better treatments • Still in lab testing
Frontiers May 8, 2026
Meta-analysis links high monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio to poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma
Oncology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis links high monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio to poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma A simple blood test may predict liver cancer survival
This meta-analysis of 7113 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma found that a high monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) is significantly asso…
A routine blood test called the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio may predict survival in liver cancer patients.
Frontiers May 8, 2026
Systematic review and meta-analysis shows worse liver transplant survival for Black patients compared to White patients
Gastroenterology Meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis shows worse liver transplant survival for Black patients compared to White patients Black patients faced worse survival rates after liver transplant compared to White patients in this review
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated overall patient and graft survival after liver transplant across diverse ethnic populatio…
A large review of twelve studies found Black patients had lower survival rates after liver transplants than White patients. Asian and Hispan…
May 7, 2026
Early time-of-day immune checkpoint inhibitor administration improves overall survival in advanced solid tumors
Oncology Meta-analysis
Early time-of-day immune checkpoint inhibitor administration improves overall survival in advanced solid tumors Cancer Patients Live Longer When Immunotherapy Starts Early in Day
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 6129 patients with advanced solid tumors receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. Earlier …
• Morning immunotherapy shots link to longer survival for advanced cancers • Helps patients fighting lung stomach kidney and other tough can…
May 5, 2026
Meta-analysis shows improved survival with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib in advanced HCC
Oncology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis shows improved survival with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib in advanced HCC New Drug Combo Outperforms Standard Care for Liver Cancer
This meta-analysis evaluated PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib in treatment-naive individuals with advanced hepatocellu…
A powerful two-drug combination cuts the risk of death by 35 percent compared to the standard treatment for people with advanced liver cance…
May 5, 2026

Questions about Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Are there differences in how hepatocellular carcinoma develops based on my liver fibrosis stage?

Yes, advanced liver fibrosis (stage F3-F4) significantly increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma compared to no or mild fibrosis, with higher cumulative incidence over time.

Full answer →
What gaps exist between lab findings and real-world treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma?

Lab findings often don't translate to real-world HCC care due to tumor heterogeneity, racial disparities, and lack of validated biomarkers for routine use.

Full answer →
Do Black patients have worse survival rates after a liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma?

Yes, Black patients have worse survival after liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma, with a 27% higher risk of death compared to White patients.

Full answer →
Does having advanced liver scarring increase my risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma?

Yes, advanced liver scarring (fibrosis/cirrhosis) significantly raises your risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in MASLD patients.

Full answer →