Mapping tumor biology in liver cancer to predict malignancy
Official title: Noninvasive High-Resolution Mapping of HCC Tumor Biology Predictive of Malignancy
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11053561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new MRI technique to help doctors better spot and understand liver cancer, so they can create more personalized treatment plans for patients with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 11, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $643,066 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283548-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who require more precise diagnostic and treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of liver diseases or cancers unrelated to hepatocellular carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a serious type of liver cancer. It aims to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies by using a specialized MRI technique called chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) to noninvasively measure tumor metabolism. By integrating this advanced imaging method, the research seeks to identify small malignant tumors, predict their aggressiveness, and monitor changes in tumor metabolism after treatment. This could lead to better risk stratification and personalized treatment plans for patients with HCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the ability to diagnose and treat liver cancer more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using advanced imaging techniques has shown promise in improving cancer diagnostics, suggesting that this approach could also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Kejia — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Cai, Kejia
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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.