Combining advanced ultrasound and molecular analyses to map tumor differences in liver cancer
Integrative Multimodal Imaging and Multi-omics Profiling of HCC Heterogeneity: a Translational Exploratory Study Leveraging CEUS, Elastography, SMI, PAI, Multi-omics Analysis, and AI-driven Modeling to Advance Precision Diagnosis and Therapeutic Optimization
This project tries combining multiple ultrasound techniques with molecular (multi-omics) tests to see if they can better characterize tumors and guide care for adults with primary liver cancer who are scheduled for surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 308 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Peking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing) |
| Trial ID | NCT07101237 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study collects multimodal ultrasound images (contrast-enhanced ultrasound, elastography, superb microvascular imaging, and photoacoustic imaging) together with multi-omics data from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Imaging is performed preoperatively or before conversion therapy and linked to pathology, molecular profiles, and clinical outcomes to map intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity. The team will analyze correlations between imaging features and genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic signatures to identify markers predictive of response or prognosis. The goal is to create integrated imaging–molecular signatures that could inform more precise preoperative diagnosis and treatment planning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–70 with pathologically confirmed primary HCC or ICC who are scheduled for surgical resection or conversion therapy and whose lesion lies within 8 cm of the skin surface are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with lesion depth greater than 8 cm from the skin surface, active other malignancies, severe organ insufficiency, massive ascites, pregnancy, or known allergy to ultrasound contrast agents are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow clinicians to identify tumor differences earlier and choose more personalized treatments for liver cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Related multimodal imaging and radiogenomic studies have shown promising early signals linking imaging features to molecular profiles, but such integrated approaches remain largely exploratory and not yet proven to change outcomes in liver cancer.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age \>18 and ≤70 years; 2. Both sexes eligible; 3. Diagnosed with primary HCC or ICC; 4. Scheduled for surgical resection or conversion therapy; 5. Pathologically confirmed HCC/ICC via surgery or biopsy; 6. Posterior margin of the lesion ≤ 8 cm from the skin surface. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Pregnancy, lactation, or planned pregnancy during the study period; 2. History of other malignancies; 3. Cardiac, pulmonary, cerebral, or renal insufficiency; 4. Lesion depth \>8 cm from the skin surface on ultrasound; 5. Massive ascites; 6. Poor compliance (e.g., inability to hold breath during examination); 7. Allergy to ultrasound contrast agents.
Where this trial is running
Beijing
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital — Beijing, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Meng Yang, Doctor
- Email: yangmeng_pumch@126.com
- Phone: 86-01060155493
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.