Advanced multiparametric MRI to better describe liver cancer (HCC)
Multiparametric MRI for Optimized Imaging-based Characterization and Therapy Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
This project will test whether advanced multiparametric MRI scans can better describe tumor features and help guide treatment for adults with confirmed or suspected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are scheduled for TACE or SIRT.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Muenster Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Münster) |
| Trial ID | NCT06999174 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, single-center observational protocol using standardized multiparametric MRI (including DWI, DCE-MRI, and quantitative T1/T2 mapping) to capture functional imaging biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adult patients with confirmed or suspected HCC who are eligible for liver MRI and scheduled for locoregional therapies (TACE or SIRT) will undergo the mpMRI as part of routine care. Imaging findings will be correlated with clinical, pathological, and treatment response data to explore links between MRI features and outcomes. No investigational drugs or study-specific interventions are given; radiological reads follow expert protocols and pre-specified statistical analysis plans.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with confirmed or suspected HCC who can safely undergo liver MRI and are scheduled to receive TACE or SIRT as part of standard care.
Not a fit: Patients with MRI contraindications, severe renal impairment (eGFR <30), pregnancy or breastfeeding, or those not receiving locoregional therapy are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this imaging-focused protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide more accurate, noninvasive tumor characterization and help personalize locoregional treatment decisions for patients with HCC.
How similar studies have performed: Similar multiparametric MRI techniques have shown promise in single-center and smaller studies for improving liver tumor characterization, but evidence for widespread clinical adoption remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Confirmed or suspected diagnosis of HCC * Scheduled to receive TACE or SIRT as part of standard clinical care * Eligibility for liver MRI * Willing and able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to MRI (e.g., pacemakers, ferromagnetic implants, severe claustrophobia) * Known allergy or intolerance to gadolinium-based contrast agents * Renal insufficiency with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<30 mL/min/1.73m² * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Inability to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Münster
- Clinic of Radiology, University of Münster — Münster, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Max Masthoff, MD
- Email: max.masthoff@ukmuenster.de
- Phone: +492518343018
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.