Clinical

Trials

Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to become involved in treatments that may well become tomorrow’s standard of care. 

Explore Clinical Trials

Understanding Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are essential for advancing medical care. They rigorously test new treatments and methods to ensure safety and efficacy before they become widely available. These trials might involve:

  • Investigating new drugs not yet approved in Australia or by the U.S. FDA.
  • Exploring new applications for already approved drugs.
  • Developing novel drug delivery methods, like pill forms.
  • Assessing alternative medicines, including herbal and vitamin-based therapies.
  • Innovating diagnostic tests for disease detection and monitoring.
  • Evaluating treatments focused on symptom relief.

Contribute to Clinical Research

Contribute to Clinical Research: Are you part of an organisation conducting a clinical trial? We welcome your submissions for inclusion on our website and social media platforms. Ensure your trial information is in patient-friendly language to help those it’s designed for. Reach out to us at steve@CholangiocarcinomaAustralia.org for submission details and guidelines.

Broaden Your Horizons: The trials we list are a select snapshot. For a wider range of clinical trials available to cholangiocarcinoma patients, visit Australian Cancer Trials for local options, or clinicaltrials.gov for a global overview.

Get Involved

If your organization conducts clinical trials and you’re interested in featuring them on our website and social media, we’d love to hear from you. Remember, it’s crucial that information is presented in a patient-friendly manner. Contact us at steve@CholangiocarcinomaAustralia.org for guidelines and more information.

If your company/institution would like to submit a clinical trial to be included on our website, please contact steve@CholangiocarcinomaAustralia.org for more information.

If you would like to post your clinical trial on our clinical trial page and to be shared on social media. Please make sure to use patient-friendly language. Contact steve@CholangiocarcinomaAustralia.org for more information.

Search Clinical Trials

Australian Search

Australian Cancer Trials; australiancancertrials.gov.au/

USA Search

ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world.

CCF Search

First-line therapy for cholangiocarcinoma is the initial treatment prescribed, typically evidence-based, demonstrating its efficacy and safety. The choice of treatment considers the cancer’s stage and the patient’s overall health condition.

View trials CCF USA list

For cholangiocarcinoma, options following first-line treatment often involve clinical trials, especially if standard treatments are no longer effective or suitable. These trials can include:

  • Second-line Therapies: These are treatments used when the first-line therapy doesn’t work or stops working. They often involve different drugs or treatment strategies.
  • Targeted Therapy Trials: These focus on specific aspects of cancer cells, like a protein that allows the cancer cells to grow in an uncontrolled way.
  • Immunotherapy Trials: These are designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • Combination Therapy Trials: These involve using a combination of treatments, such as chemotherapy with targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

Each trial has specific criteria and goals, and the suitability of a trial for a patient depends on various factors including the stage of the cancer, previous treatments, and the patient’s overall health. Always discuss with healthcare providers to understand the best options post first-line therapy.

View trials CCF USA list

Chemotherapy is a chemical substance, or cytotoxic, there are many different types of chemotherapies and they are often used in combination with other chemotherapy agents or immunotherapies.

“cytotoxic” refers to substances that are toxic to cells. In the context of chemotherapy, cytotoxic agents specifically target and kill or damage cancer cells, which are rapidly dividing and growing. However, they can also affect some normal cells in the body, leading to side effects. The goal of these treatments is to eliminate cancer cells or slow their growth, helping to control the spread of the disease.

Click here to see the current trials list with CCF USA

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that involves drugs specifically designed to target and act on or within cancer cells.

These drugs focus on particular features of the cells, like antigens or receptors, which are unique proteins or other molecules found on the surface or inside the cells. By honing in on these specific elements, targeted therapy can effectively disrupt the growth and spread of cancer cells, often with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

This precise approach is a key focus in clinical trials, aiming to develop more effective treatments for cholangiocarcinoma by exploiting these unique cellular features.

Click here to see the current trials list via CCF USA

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that works with your body’s immune system. It involves using substances, either made by the body or in a laboratory, to improve or restore immune system function.

This approach can include treatments that help the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively. It can also involve therapies that directly intervene in the immune response to enhance its ability to fight cancer.

Clinical trials in immunotherapy are exploring new ways to treat diseases like cholangiocarcinoma by harnessing and boosting the body’s natural defense mechanisms.”

Click here to see the current trials list via CCF USA

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to target tumors.

The goal is to shrink the tumors and kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. This treatment can be directed at cancer from outside the body (external beam radiation) or from a source placed inside the body near the cancer cells (internal radiation).

Radiotherapy is often used to treat various types of cancer, including cholangiocarcinoma, either alone or in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy.

Click here to see the current trials list via CCF USA

Novel Means New

A novel therapy refers to a treatment that is either new or uses an innovative approach to tackle a disease.

These therapies are often at the cutting edge of medical research, exploring uncharted methods or using existing treatments in unique ways. In the context of cancer treatment, novel therapies might include advanced drugs, new combinations of existing treatments, or completely different approaches to attacking cancer cells.

The goal is to find more effective and potentially less harmful ways to treat conditions like cholangiocarcinoma. Clinical trials frequently investigate these novel therapies to determine their effectiveness and safety for patients.

Click here to see the current trials list via CCF USA

Submitted Trials” refers to the comprehensive list of clinical trials that have been provided to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (USA), including CCF Australia.

This collection showcases the variety of ongoing research efforts and potential treatment options in the field of cholangiocarcinoma. By collaborating with the CCF partner in the USA and being globally aware, CCF Australia ensures that this list not only includes trials happening locally but also those from around the world.

Many of these global trials may become available in Australia, offering a broader range of opportunities for patients and researchers to explore novel treatments and therapies. This approach emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and knowledge sharing in advancing cancer treatment and research.

Click here to view a list of CCF (USA) submitted clinical trials

To find the most appropriate clinical trial for your specific case, we encourage you to visit our ‘Biomarkers Matter’ page at CCF Australia Biomarkers Matter.

This page provides valuable information on how your biopsy can reveal critical biomarkers – unique characteristics of your cancer – which are essential in determining the best clinical trial for you.

Understanding these biomarkers is crucial in choosing a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and cancer profile.

Questions – Answers – Links: Understanding Clinical Trials

Please note that the clinical trials mentioned are not the only clinical trials available for cholangiocarcinoma patients, the following clinical trials were submitted by the organisations conducting the trial.  Please visit Australian Cancer Trials or for a global reference visit clinicaltrials.gov for a more comprehensive list.

Exploring Options Beyond Standard Treatment: It’s important to know that the clinical trials we mention are just a part of the wider spectrum available for cholangiocarcinoma patients. While many new tests and treatments are in development, they may not be publicly available or considered first-line options yet. These are often explored in clinical trials, which can offer access to potential future standard treatments. For a more comprehensive list of trials, visit Australian Cancer Trials for local options, or clinicaltrials.gov for global trials.

Clinical Trials: An Opportunity for New Treatments: In Australia, clinical trial options for cholangiocarcinoma may seem limited, but it’s worthwhile to research all available opportunities. Participation in clinical trials requires specific biomarkers related to your cancer, making it essential to get a biopsy. Initially, a simple and quick IHC test can be done, followed by a more comprehensive molecular (Genomic) profile if needed.

Advocating for Your Health: Don’t assume your surgeon or oncologist will automatically conduct an IHC test or other specific tests. It’s crucial to proactively discuss and request tests like PD-L1, MSI Results, CTLA-4, and HER2, as they can influence your treatment options, including eligibility for certain clinical trials.

Guidance, Not Prescription: The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia aims to empower you with information to better understand your health condition and current medical approaches. However, this is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.