Paediatric Hepatic International Tumour Trial

The Paediatric Hepatic International Tumour Trial (PHITT) trial is the largest clinical trial ever performed in liver cancer in children and young adults (up to 30 years). Fortunately, liver cancer is very rare in this age group, but we still need to do research studies to understand the disease better and identify more effective treatments. Studies in just one country, or even a small group of countries, cannot recruit enough patients for reliable results. 

In 2016, three main liver cancer research groups in Europe, USA and Japan joined forces. This means more patients could get involved. The outcome for patients with current treatments is generally good, with many being cured. However, some patients do not survive and those that do face severe side effects like including deafness, heart failure and kidney damage. There is also a risk of another cancer developing. This trial aims to develop more effective treatments for patients who currently have a low chance of survival, while reducing treatment and side effects for other patients. 

In this trial, patients are divided into six groups based on their specific type of cancer. In four of these groups, randomisation – like tossing a coin – is used to decide which treatment option they will receive. At the end of the study, the different treatments are compared to see which is better. The trial opened to patients across Europe in August 2017 and has recruited 212 patients from 13 countries so far. From 2016-2021, the trial has been funded by the European Commission. The Little Princess Trust have funded two more years of research, which could help decrease the amount of treatment that children with liver cancer have to undergo.