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Targeting Ischemia-Induced Autophagy Dependence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This study is investigating a new approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer. It focuses on improving transarterial embolization (TACE), a common treatment where doctors block blood flow to the tumor. The study aims to see if adding Hydroxychloroquine can prevent cancer cells from surviving the TACE procedure. You would receive Lipiodol, a standard TACE drug, and either Hydroxychloroquine or a placebo (an inactive substance). To join, you need to be at least 18 years old, have HCC that meets specific criteria (BCLC B and LI-RADS 5), and have a certain liver function (Childs Pugh Turcotte A/B7) and performance status (0). The main goal is to see how long patients go without their cancer growing in the treated area, measured at 6 months after treatment. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 93 participants. It compares two groups: one receiving Hydroxychloroquine and Lipiodol, and another receiving Lipiodol and a placebo.
What's involved
You would receive Hydroxychloroquine or placebo orally for 6 weeks after the TACE procedure. Lipiodol would be given intra-arterially during the TACE procedure.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your local progression-free survival will be measured at 6 months following treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05842174

Targeting Ischemia-Induced Autophagy Dependence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Recruiting
PHASE1Ages 18+InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~93 participants
Updated 2026-04-16 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:HydroxychloroquineLipiodolPlacebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Local Progression Free Survival
Measured over 6 months following treatment

Conditions

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

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Hepatocellular Carcinoma

NCT05842174

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Terence P Gade, MD PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA

Who to contact

Terence P Gade, MD PhD
[email protected]
(215) 823-5800
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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)

What this trial measures

  • Local Progression Free Survival6 months following treatment

    Local progression free survival will be determined on a per lesion basis based on follow-up cross-sectional imaging and modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors