Clinical Research Directory

Radiation Therapy vs. Observation Following Gemcitabine and Cisplatin for Inoperable Localized Liver Cancer

This randomized phase III trial studies how well gemcitabine hydrochloride and cisplatin with or without radiation therapy work in treating patients with localized liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine hydrochloride and cisplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Radiation therapy uses high energy x rays to kill tumor cells. It is not yet known whether giving gemcitabine and cisplatin is more effective with or without radiation therapy in this patient population. Patients register to this study after receiving gemcitabine and cisplatin.