Imaging biomarkers to guide combined local therapy and immunotherapy for liver cancer
Quantitative Multimodal Imaging Biomarkers for Combined Locoregional and Immunotherapy of Liver Cancer
This project will develop advanced imaging tests to help doctors time and personalize combined catheter-based liver treatments and immunotherapy for people with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers will use multiple noninvasive imaging methods (like advanced MRI and CT techniques) before and after catheter-based tumor treatments and immunotherapy to look for measurable changes in the tumor and its surroundings. They aim to find imaging signals that show when the tumor microenvironment becomes more receptive to immune therapy. The team will combine imaging data with clinical and tissue information to create quantitative biomarkers that can guide treatment decisions. If successful, these biomarkers could tell your care team who is likely to benefit from adding immunotherapy and when to give it.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) who are being considered for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and/or immune checkpoint therapy are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with non-HCC liver tumors, those too frail for imaging or interventional procedures, or those who decline these treatments may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help personalize when and for whom combined local therapy plus immunotherapy is given, increasing chances of response and reducing unnecessary treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Early clinical efforts combining locoregional therapy and immunotherapy are promising but only 15–30% of HCC patients respond, and reliable imaging biomarkers to guide this combination are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan, James S — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Duncan, James S
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.