Comparing MRI and Ultrasound for Liver Cancer Surveillance in Cirrhotic Patients

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

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of abbreviated non-contrast MRI (aNC-MRI) compared to traditional ultrasound surveillance in cirrhotic patients who have poor ultrasound visualization. The research focuses on patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as current ultrasound methods often fail to detect early-stage cancers. By conducting a prospective analysis, the study seeks to identify a more reliable surveillance tool for this vulnerable population. The goal is to improve early detection rates of HCC, which is crucial for successful treatment outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria

* Patients with cirrhosis (all causes of cirrhosis, except obscure causes such as vascular or congenital fibrosis) AND reduced visualisation of their liver on ultrasound (vB and vC).
* The criteria of cirrhosis can be obtained with any of the following methods:

  1. Histologically by liver biopsy
  2. Past signs of decompensated liver disease such as ascites, encephalopathy, varices or bacterial peritonitis
  3. Clinically suspicion of cirrhosis PLUS one of the following:

     1. Radiological evidence of morphologic changes of the liver and evidence of portal hypertension on US, CT or MRI examinations, including the identification of hepatic surface nodularity, splenomegaly, portal collaterals, varices and ascites
     2. Fibroscan (transient elastography) median liver stiffness \>12.5 kPa, the Fibroscan must be performed by an experienced technician and interpreted by the hepatologist
     3. Platelet count \<100 (x10\^9/L) with no alternative cause
* Absence of previous history or current suspicion of HCC - Absence of HCC is defined by liver US, multiphase CT or contrast-enhanced MRI within 6 months prior to surveillance
* Patient is able to comply with scheduled visits, evaluation plans and other study procedures in the opinion of the investigator
* Patient is willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

* Contraindications to MRI scan (defibrillator, pacemaker, metallic foreign body, severe claustrophobia etc.)
* Contraindications to gadolinium
* Age above 85 years old or younger than 20 years old
* Pregnancy or breast feeding
* Any other condition which, in the opinion of the Investigator, would make the patient unsuitable for enrolment for the trial or could interfere with the completion of the study

Where it's running

• Concord Repatriation General Hospital
  Concord, New South Wales, Australia Recruiting
• Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
  Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia Not yet recruiting
• Gosford Hospital
  Gosford, New South Wales, Australia Not yet recruiting
• Prince of Wales Hospital
  Randwick, New South Wales, Australia Not yet recruiting
• Westmead Hospital
  Westmead, New South Wales, Australia Not yet recruiting
• Princess Alexandra Hospital
  Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jessica Yang, MBBS — Concord Repatriation General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Jessica Yang, MBBS
• Email: jessica.yang1@health.nsw.gov.au
• Phone: +61297676495

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to check Y-90 radioembolization response in liver cancer

  This will test whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can show treatment response to Y‑90 radioembolization in people with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma who are scheduled for TARE.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Thomas Jefferson University · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · NCT07145801

• Comparing ultrasound and MRI for liver cancer detection

  This study is trying to see if a special ultrasound or a quicker MRI is better at finding early liver cancer in people with uncertain liver nodules.

  Recruiting at 2 sites University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations · NCT06184152

• Blood test for detecting liver cancer and cirrhosis

  This study is testing a new blood test to see if it can help detect liver cancer and cirrhosis in people who have or are being checked for liver issues.

  Recruiting at 7 sites Helio Genomics · Escondido, California and 6 other locations · NCT05199259

• Combining cabozantinib with ipilimumab/nivolumab and TACE for liver cancer treatment

  This study is testing if combining cabozantinib with two immune therapies and a specific type of chemo can help people with liver cancer who can’t have surgery feel better.

  Recruiting Phase 2 University of California, Irvine · Orange, California · NCT04472767

• InstaSure Non-Invasive Finger-Press Test for HCC

  This study tests a non-invasive finger-skin test to help identify hepatocellular carcinoma in adults.

  Recruiting Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals · Beijing, Beijing Municipality · NCT07848750

• BGB-B2033 vs Sorafenib or Lenvatinib for advanced liver cancer

  This study tests whether the investigational drug BGB-B2033 can help people with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma when given after prior PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, compared with the standard medicines sorafenib or lenvatinib.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 3 BeOne Medicines · South Brisbane, Queensland and 1 other locations · NCT07836530

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.