Improving MRI technology to detect liver tumors earlier
Official title: Advancing MRI technology for early diagnosis of liver metastases
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10755679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving MRI scans to help doctors find small liver tumors in people with colorectal cancer more easily, which could lead to quicker and better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2019 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $374,276 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA245920-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10755679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who may be at risk for liver metastases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without colorectal cancer or those with advanced liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing MRI technology to better identify small liver tumors in patients with colorectal cancer. By developing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to improve the accuracy of liver metastasis detection, which is crucial for timely treatment decisions. The approach involves using gadolinium-based contrast agents and innovative imaging methods to overcome current limitations in MRI resolution and motion artifacts. Patients may benefit from earlier diagnosis, potentially leading to more effective treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of liver metastases, improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for patients with colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing MRI techniques for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in early diagnosis.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Altbach, Maria I. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Altbach, Maria I.
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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.