Imaging biomarkers to guide combined local therapy and immunotherapy for liver cancer
Official title: Quantitative Multimodal Imaging Biomarkers for Combined Locoregional and Immunotherapy of Liver Cancer
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11174540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 1, 2016 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,171,708 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA206180-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) who are being considered for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and/or immune checkpoint therapy are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan, James S — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Duncan, James S
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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.