3D ultrasound monitoring for colorectal cancer spread to the liver
Three-Dimensional Multi-Parametric Ultrasound for Monitoring Therapy of Liver Metastasis
This uses a new 3D ultrasound scan to track how colorectal cancer in the liver responds to treatment so doctors can know sooner if a therapy is working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306551 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get a modern, contrast-enhanced 3D ultrasound that makes detailed, motion-corrected maps of blood flow and tissue inside liver tumors. Scans are done before and during therapy to look for early signs that the tumor is changing. The imaging uses a special matrix transducer and software developed with industry partners to capture the whole tumor volume rather than single slices. The goal is to provide clear, radiation-free information so your care team can consider changing ineffective treatments earlier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with metastatic colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver who are scheduled for systemic or locoregional therapy and can undergo contrast-enhanced ultrasound are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without liver metastases, those whose cancer did not originate from the colorectum, or people who cannot receive ultrasound contrast (for example, due to a severe allergy) are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors detect treatment response earlier with a safe, low-cost, radiation-free scan and help spare patients from ineffective therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot work with 2D and initial 3D contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed promising ability to measure tumor perfusion, but larger clinical validation is still ongoing.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El Kaffas, Ahmed — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: El Kaffas, Ahmed
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.