Detecting return of kidney cancer after ablation using multiple imaging tests
Multi-modality detection of RCC Recurrence Post Ablation
['FUNDING_R01'] · THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11232345
This project uses ultrasound together with CT and MRI to better spot kidney cancer that comes back in people treated with tumor ablation.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11232345 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you've had tumor ablation for kidney cancer, this project compares contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with standard CT and MRI scans to find cancer that returns. Researchers will follow patients after ablation with scheduled imaging and compare how often each method correctly shows recurrence while noting problems from scarring, calcifications, or contrast restrictions. CEUS may be a safer option for people who cannot receive CT or MRI contrast, and small pilot work showed promising sensitivity but needs larger confirmation. The team at Thomas Jefferson will collect imaging results and clinical follow-up to see whether adding or substituting CEUS improves detection and reduces missed recurrences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with localized renal cell carcinoma who have undergone percutaneous ablation, especially patients with reduced kidney function or a solitary kidney.
Not a fit: People who had their kidney removed by surgery, who have widespread metastatic disease, or whose tumors were not treated with ablation are unlikely to benefit from this imaging-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help catch returning kidney cancer earlier and offer a safer imaging option for people who can't tolerate CT or MRI contrast.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot studies from this group reported very high sensitivity for CEUS but variable specificity, so this project aims to validate those promising but preliminary results.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EISENBREY, JOHN — THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: EISENBREY, JOHN
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.
Conditions: Cancer Detection