Noninvasive mapping to predict liver cancer aggressiveness
Official title: Noninvasive High-Resolution Mapping of HCC Tumor Biology Predictive of Malignancy
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11263728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using an advanced MRI method to map tumor metabolism in people with liver cancer to better predict which tumors will behave aggressively.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $628,443 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283548-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11263728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are undergoing MRI or being considered for local or systemic therapy would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical use of this technique.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver tumors, with non-HCC cancers, or those who cannot have MRI scans are unlikely to directly benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This project uses a specialized MRI technique called CEST to image the chemical makeup of liver tumors without needing a biopsy. Researchers will test the approach in a pig model that closely mimics human liver cancer to see if creatine metabolism patterns match tumor aggressiveness. The goal is to find imaging markers that identify small or unusual cancers, predict how fast they will grow, and tell true progression from treatment-related changes. Successful markers could be translated into scanners used for patients at clinical centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors choose the right treatment and detect true tumor progression earlier than current imaging allows.
How similar studies have gone: Early preclinical and limited clinical work with CEST MRI has shown promise for detecting metabolic changes, but applying it to predict HCC aggressiveness and guide treatment is relatively new.
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.