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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 90

Computer-guided microwave ablation for liver cancer

Official title: Computer Guided Microwave Liver Ablation

Run by NE Scientific INC · NCT07226869 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial will test whether using a computer guidance program during microwave ablation helps doctors more completely treat liver cancer tumors in adults.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
Enrollment84 (estimated)
SponsorNE Scientific INC
Industry-sponsored
Locations2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 8, 2026
Main results expectedFebruary 28, 2030
Study endsFebruary 28, 2030
Registry record updatedMay 11, 2026
Trial IDNCT07226869 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults (≥18) with localized hepatocellular carcinoma eligible for curative intent percutaneous ablation, with up to 5 liver lesions (at least one 2–5 cm and no lesion >5 cm), ECOG 0–2, adequate coagulation, and ability to undergo CT/MRI and provide informed consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients with macrovascular invasion, extrahepatic metastases, more than five lesions, any lesion >5 cm, prior local therapy to the target lesion, or those not suitable for percutaneous ablation are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

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

What this trial studies

This is a 24-month, two-center interventional study using Accublate computer guidance software during CT-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma. The software provides 3D planning, interactive ablation-volume simulation, and real-time registration of probe position to help the operator visualize treated and untreated tumor. Physicians will perform microwave ablation with the software and outcomes will be compared to a historic control to measure incomplete treatments, 2-year local recurrence, and procedure-related complications. The study is being conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center under IRB oversight.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the guidance software could reduce incomplete ablations and lower local tumor recurrence, improving long-term tumor control after microwave ablation.

How similar studies have gone: A prior report using the same simulation software with radiofrequency ablation showed improved visualization associated with better outcomes, but application specifically to microwave ablation is less tested and is being examined here.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years, with life expectancy of at least 1 year
2. Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) confirmed by:

   * LI-RADS 5 imaging features or
   * Histopathology
   * Cirrhosis with AFP \> 400
3. Localized disease without macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis, eligible for curative-intent percutaneous thermal ablation, defined as:

   o Up to 5 lesions with at least one lesion, 2 -5 cm, and no lesion \>5 cm diameter
4. Tumor location deemed technically feasible for percutaneous ablation by the treating interventional radiologist
5. ECOG Performance Status 0-2
6. Adequate coagulation status, defined as:

   * Platelets ≥ 50,000/μL
   * INR ≤ 1.8 (or correctable)
7. Ability to undergo contrast-enhanced CT or MRI
8. Willingness and ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior local therapy to the target lesion (ablation, TACE, SBRT, or resection) or to a lesion within 1 cm of the target lesion
2. More than 5 hepatic lesions, or any lesion ineligible for technically complete ablation
3. uncontrolled hepatic decompensation, including:

   o Persistent encephalopathy
4. Uncorrectable coagulopathy or contraindication to percutaneous liver intervention
5. Contraindication to contrast-enhanced imaging (e.g., severe CKD without dialysis, contrast allergy not correctable with premedication)
6. Active systemic infection
7. Pregnancy
8. Inability to comply with follow-up imaging schedule

Where it's running

  • Dartmouth HItchcock Medical Center
    Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States     Recruiting
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States     Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
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Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) 119NE Scientific INC 2
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.