Improving early detection for liver cancer in people with unclear liver nodules
Precision Risk Stratification and Screening for HCC among Patients with Indeterminate Liver Nodules
['FUNDING_U01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11184262
This project tests whether combining blood marker panels and targeted imaging can better find early liver cancer in people with indeterminate liver nodules.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11184262 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have an unclear liver nodule, the team will combine blood biomarkers, shortened MRI scans, and risk calculators to predict your personal chance of developing liver cancer. They will use validated blood tests (like PLSec‑AFP, GALAD, and Doylestown Plus) alongside imaging to sort people into higher‑ or lower‑intensity surveillance plans. The researchers will follow participants over time and use modeling and cost‑effectiveness analyses to recommend the best follow‑up schedules that try to catch cancer earlier while avoiding unnecessary scans. This work builds on prior phase II/III studies at the same center and focuses specifically on people with indeterminate liver nodules.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have indeterminate liver nodules on imaging, especially those with cirrhosis or other chronic liver disease.
Not a fit: People without indeterminate liver nodules or those with already confirmed advanced liver cancer are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could catch liver cancer earlier in people with unclear nodules, improving treatment options and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior clinical studies have shown promise for blood biomarker panels and abbreviated MRI in earlier HCC detection, but applying these tools specifically to indeterminate nodules is a newer application.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SINGAL, AMIT — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: SINGAL, AMIT
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 Cause