Early detection of liver cancer
Early Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
This project tests whether blood tests combined with MRI and AI can spot liver cancer sooner in people with cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11287868 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have cirrhosis, this project follows you over time with regular blood draws and contrast MRIs to look for very early signs of liver cancer. Researchers pair each blood sample with the MRI taken at the same visit to see which blood markers and imaging features appear before a cancer diagnosis. They use AI and algorithmic models to combine biomarker and imaging data into a risk score aimed at improving early detection. The work is done across multiple centers with long-term follow-up to reflect real-world surveillance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with liver cirrhosis who are undergoing routine surveillance and do not already have a diagnosis of liver cancer are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without liver disease or those already diagnosed with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help find liver cancer earlier in people with cirrhosis so treatment can begin sooner and outcomes may improve.
How similar studies have performed: Standard ultrasound plus AFP often misses early tumors, and while smaller studies of blood-marker and imaging combinations have shown promise, larger prospective validation like this is still needed.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beretta, Laura — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Beretta, Laura
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.