Imaging liver cancer metabolism using advanced technology
Official title: Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic Imaging of Tumorigenesis in the Liver
Funded at Loyola University of Chicago · NIH-10727760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to take pictures of how the liver works, especially for people with liver cancer, using a safe and non-invasive method that could help doctors better understand and treat liver diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $461,844 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA277814-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10727760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with liver cancer or those at high risk for developing liver diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to cancer or those who do not have any liver conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on using innovative hyperpolarized 13C probes to noninvasively image metabolic processes in the liver, particularly in the context of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). By assessing glycolysis and mitochondrial function, the study aims to improve the understanding and characterization of liver diseases. The research team has developed a non-toxic probe that can detect changes in liver metabolism, which could lead to better diagnostic methods and treatment options for patients with liver cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and noninvasive diagnostic methods for liver cancer, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using similar hyperpolarized imaging techniques have shown promising results in distinguishing cancerous tissues from healthy ones.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Billingsley, Kelvin L — Loyola University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Billingsley, Kelvin L
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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.