CEUS vs. AMRI for HCC Detection in Patients With Indeterminate Liver Nodules

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Dec 14, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how well two imaging techniques—contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and dynamic contrast-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI)—can detect early-stage liver cancer, known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in patients who have uncertain liver nodules. The trial is being conducted at several locations, including UT Southwestern Medical Center and the University of Michigan, and is currently looking for participants aged 18 and older who have certain liver conditions.

To be eligible for this study, participants must have liver cirrhosis (a serious liver condition) and at least one indeterminate liver nodule that has been seen on imaging tests, but they should not have been diagnosed with HCC yet. Unfortunately, patients who have already had a liver transplant, have been diagnosed with liver cancer before, or have other significant health issues that might limit their life expectancy cannot take part in this trial. Those who join will undergo imaging tests using both techniques to help researchers understand which method works better for finding early signs of liver cancer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Child A or B cirrhosis from any etiology with at least one ILN on 4-phase CT, contrast- enhanced MRI, or contrast enhanced US but without HCC at baseline.
• • Adults 18 years old and above
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients post liver transplantation
• • Patients with concurrent or prior HCC (LR-5 or biopsy proven)
• • other liver cancer including cholangiocarcinoma
• • Patients with any active extra-hepatic malignancy
• • Patients with significant comorbidity and limited life expectancy, e.g., stage D congestive heart failure, in whom surveillance is not warranted are also excluded given unlikely clinical benefit
• • Patients with contraindication to contrast-enhanced MRI or CEUS, including implanted medical devices that are considered MR unsafe and severe claustrophobia