Comparing contrast agents for liver MRI in detecting cancer spread

Evaluation of Liver MR with an Abbreviated Gadobenate Dimeglumine Hepatobiliary Phase Protocol in Comparison to Liver MR with Gadoxetate Disodium for the Detection of Hepatic Metastases

Phase 4 Interventional University of Colorado, Denver · NCT04973007

This study tests if a quicker liver MRI using a different contrast agent can find cancer spread in colorectal cancer patients just as well as the standard method.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment55 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT04973007 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an abbreviated liver MRI protocol using gadobenate dimeglumine compared to standard protocols using gadoxetate disodium for detecting liver metastases in colorectal cancer patients. It will assess diagnostic performance metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, as well as image quality measures. Additionally, radiologists will qualitatively assess their preferences for the images produced by the different contrast agents. The goal is to determine if the abbreviated protocol can provide comparable results while saving time and resources.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are colorectal cancer patients aged 18-80 with suspected liver metastasis and no prior treatment.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 or over 80 years old, those with severe kidney impairment, or those with a history of adverse reactions to gadolinium contrast agents may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more efficient and cost-effective imaging protocols for detecting liver metastases in colorectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using abbreviated MRI protocols, but this specific comparison of contrast agents is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Colorectal cancer patients
* Age 18-80 years
* No prior treatment including surgery
* Prior imaging with suspected liver metastasis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years or \> 80 years
* eGFR \< 30 ml/min/1.73 m2
* Previous reaction to gadolinium contrast agents
* History of claustrophobia or movement disorders likely to impact image quality
* Non-MR safe implants or metallic foreign bodies

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Oligometastatic DiseaseLiver MetastasesColorectal Cancer
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.