Imagine cleaning a stain off a carpet, but some tiny invisible spots remain, causing the stain to come back later. This project tests if using a high-frequency heat tool to 'sear' the edges of the area where a liver tumor was removed can kill those remaining invisible cells. By creating a deeper safety zone of treated tissue, the goal is to stop the cancer from returning and help patients live longer.
Liver cancer and colorectal metastases have high recurrence rates even after successful surgery. This is often caused by malignant cells remaining at the surgical margins, which currently lacks a standardized, proven method of eradication.
A multicenter clinical trial protocol and operational network across 24 hospitals to validate the use of radiofrequency ablation on tumor margins.
If you are a surgical equipment manufacturer dealing with stagnant growth in radiofrequency tool sales — this project developed a clinical validation for margin coagulation that could expand the indicated use of these devices. This opens a larger market by proving a direct link between the tool's use and improved patient survival.
If you are a hospital chain dealing with high readmission rates due to cancer recurrence — this project provides a prospective trial across 24 hospitals to standardize a more effective surgical technique. Implementing this could improve patient outcomes and reduce the long-term cost of treating recurrences.
If you are an insurance provider dealing with the high cost of treating recurrent liver cancer — this project tests a method to decrease recurrence rates. Proving that this surgical addition improves survival can lead to more cost-effective long-term care plans for 720 patients in the trial group.
Based on available project data, the specific cost of the radiofrequency devices is not listed, though the EU is contributing EUR 6,578,064 to the research project.
Yes, the project is already operating at a significant scale, involving 24 hospitals across 6 different countries to validate the technique.
Based on available project data, specific patents are not mentioned, but the project generates clinical evidence that can be used to support new regulatory indications for radiofrequency devices.
The clinical trial has already received approval from ethics committees in six out of seven countries and from relevant regulatory agencies.
The project runs from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2028.
The consortium is well-balanced for a clinical validation project, consisting of 12 partners across 5 countries. It includes a 17% industry ratio (2 companies, including 2 SMEs), which ensures that the research remains grounded in commercial viability while leveraging the expertise of 2 universities and 3 research institutions. The heavy presence of 'Other' entities (5) likely represents the 24 hospitals providing the clinical environment necessary for a trial of 720 patients.
Contact Consorcio Mar Parc de Salut de Barcelona
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for radiofrequency surgical applications.
