Real-time MRI plus ultrasound guidance for liver tumor ablation
Simultaneous MRI/US for real-time liver ablation guidance and confirmation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11137647
This project combines MRI and ultrasound to guide and confirm needle treatments for people with liver tumors in real time.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137647 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have a liver tumor, the team is building a system that uses MRI together with an MRI-compatible hands-free ultrasound so doctors can see the tumor and the treatment needle at the same time. Fast 3D software will align and deform images to account for breathing and organ motion so targeting stays accurate. The work includes laboratory testing, animal validation, and development toward use during hospital procedures. The aim is to make it easier for clinicians to target tumors and confirm that the ablation covered the intended area.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with primary or metastatic liver tumors who are being considered for percutaneous image-guided ablation would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not candidates for percutaneous ablation, have tumors that are too large or diffuse for ablation, or cannot undergo MRI (for example due to incompatible implants) may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make liver ablation more accurate, reduce complications, and increase the chance the tumor is fully treated in a single procedure.
How similar studies have performed: Combining imaging for guidance has been explored before, but simultaneous real-time MRI with hands-free ultrasound plus fast deformable registration is a novel approach that has not yet been widely proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOLMES, JAMES H — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: HOLMES, JAMES H
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.