Impact of Liver Volume Changes on Radiation Therapy for Abdominal Cancers

The Effect of Liver Volume Variation on Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) Planning and Delivery for Upper Abdominal Malignancies

NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT06355895

This study is testing how changes in liver size, caused by things like diet, affect the effectiveness of radiation therapy for people with upper abdominal cancers.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment17 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh (other)
Drugs / interventionsRadiation
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06355895 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how variations in liver volume, influenced by factors such as diet and time of day, affect the planning and delivery of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for upper abdominal malignancies. It aims to enhance the precision of SBRT by examining the implications of these volume changes on radiation dose distribution and treatment setup. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques like four-dimensional computed tomography, the study seeks to improve patient outcomes by minimizing errors in radiation delivery. Participants will undergo a standardized high-carbohydrate meal to assess its effect on liver volume.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with primary or metastatic upper abdominal cancers who are scheduled to receive SBRT.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously received radiation therapy to the liver or those with contraindications to iodinated contrast will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate radiation therapy planning, reducing the risk of radiation-induced liver disease and improving treatment outcomes for patients with upper abdominal cancers.

How similar studies have performed: While the effects of respiratory motion on SBRT are well-documented, the specific impact of liver volume changes on radiation delivery is less understood, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Have primary upper abdominal (pancreatic, bile duct, liver) cancer or upper abdominal metastases (liver, adrenal, upper abdominal lymph nodes) planned to undergo SBRT.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Had prior Radiation Therapy to the liver
* Contraindication to receipt of iodinated IV contrast for CT (such as renal insufficiency or allergy that cannot be overcome by premedication)
* Pregnancy/lactation OR woman of childbearing potential who is unable or unwilling to use adequate contraception during Radiation Therapy.
* Inability to fast.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Upper Abdominal Malignancies, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.