Using blood tests and imaging to improve liver cancer detection
Official title: Liquid biopsy and radiomics for liver cancer surveillance
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10931762 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to spot liver cancer early by using new blood tests and advanced imaging, and it's for people who are at risk, especially those with cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $633,414 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA283931-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931762 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cirrhosis or those at high risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver disease or those who do not meet the criteria for high-risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a rapidly growing cancer. It aims to utilize innovative blood tests, known as liquid biopsies, alongside advanced imaging techniques like MRI to identify liver cancer at earlier stages. By collecting blood samples and clinical data from a diverse group of patients, the study seeks to improve the accuracy of current surveillance methods, which often fall short. The goal is to provide a more effective approach for monitoring patients at risk of liver cancer, particularly those with cirrhosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of liver cancer, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using liquid biopsies for cancer detection, but this specific approach combining blood tests and MRI for liver cancer is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Villanueva, Augusto — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Villanueva, Augusto
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Blood tests plus MRI image analysis to find liver cancer earlier
This project combines new blood-based 'liquid biopsy' tests with advanced MRI image analysis to try to detect liver cancer earlier in people at high risk, such as those with cirrhosis.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Aging and liver cancer: new ways to prevent and fight hepatocellular carcinoma
This research explores how aging promotes liver cancer and tests new preventive approaches that could help people at higher risk due to age.
-
Testing new therapies for pediatric and young adult sarcoma, kidney, and liver cancers
Researchers are testing new drugs and smart combinations in models of pediatric cancers to help guide future treatments for kids and young adults.
-
Liver cancer prevention and care in Uganda using HIV clinic networks
A program in Uganda uses existing HIV care systems to roll out liver cancer prevention, screening, and treatment strategies tailored to local needs.
-
Leveraging HIV care to prevent liver cancer in Uganda
A program in Uganda uses existing HIV care clinics to roll out a liver cancer prevention and treatment plan tailored to local needs.
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.