Using Yttrium-90 to improve liver surgery outcomes for cancer patients

Yittrium-90 radiation lobectomy: Dose optimization and prediction of FLR hypertrophy to enable resection of HCC

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10675427

This study is looking at a new way to help people with liver cancer who can’t have surgery by using a special type of radiation treatment that aims to help the liver heal while keeping it safe, and it will involve some advanced imaging to see how well the treatment is working.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10675427 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing treatment options for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by using a technique called Yttrium-90 radiation lobectomy. The study aims to optimize the radiation dose to promote liver regeneration while minimizing risks of liver failure. Patients will undergo advanced imaging techniques to monitor liver changes and assess the effectiveness of the treatment. By understanding how the liver responds to this therapy, the research seeks to improve surgical outcomes for patients who may not otherwise be candidates for surgery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who have insufficient future liver remnant due to underlying liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients with resectable HCC or those who do not have liver disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable more patients with liver cancer to undergo potentially curative surgeries by improving liver function and safety.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggests that similar approaches using Yttrium-90 have shown promise, but this specific method is still being explored for its optimal application.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.