Abbreviated non-contrast MRI versus ultrasound for finding liver cancer in people with cirrhosis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults eligible for six-month ultrasound surveillance for liver cancer will be offered an abbreviated, non-contrast MRI and their MRI results will be compared with routine ultrasound findings to see which method detects more cancers or suspicious nodules. The study enrolls people with cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A or B) from common causes such as alcohol-related liver disease, metabolic steatotic liver disease, chronic hepatitis B or C, and those previously treated for liver cancer who have returned to surveillance. Key exclusions include MRI contraindications, pregnancy, prior liver transplant, prisoners, and participants with indeterminate nodules already requiring MRI/CT. As an observational comparison, detection rates and follow-up imaging or pathology will be used to compare diagnostic performance without introducing experimental treatments.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study AND

  * All genders, aged 18 years or above AND
  * Eligible for HCC US surveillance in the opinion of the local investigators AND
  * Child Pugh score A or B AND
  * Diagnosed with liver cirrhosis due to ArLD, MASLD, chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, genetic haemochromatosis AND
  * Have an annual risk of HCC of at least 3% as determined by the aMAP score OR
  * Participants with chronic liver disease (with or without cirrhosis) who had successful treatment for HCC, have not had a recurrence and have returned to 6 monthly surveillance with USS

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Contraindication to MRI

  * Known allergy / reaction to intravenous gadolinium contrast
  * Prisoners
  * Pregnancy or breast feeding
  * Previous liver transplant
  * Participants who are known to have indeterminate liver nodules on prior imaging requiring ongoing follow-up with MRI or CT
  * Previous HCC treated with curative intent and still being followed up with CT or MRI with contrast for possible recurrence
  * Estimated glomerular filtration rate of \<30 ml/min/1.73m2
  * Participant is on haemodialysis
  * Participants who are unlikely to comply with the study procedures in the opinion of the local investigator
  * In the view of the clinician, if the participant has a co-morbidity likely to lead to death within the following 12 months

Where it's running

• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trudt
  Oxford, Oxon, United Kingdom Recruiting
• Bournemouth University Hospital
  Bournemouth, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Michael Pavlides, DPhil
• Email: michael.pavlides@cardiov.ox.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 1865234577

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.