Non-invasive MRI techniques for assessing liver fibrosis and inflammation
Development of Fully Automated Non-Invasive MRI Applications for Diagnosis and Staging of Liver Fibrosis and Inflammation
This study is testing new MRI techniques to see if they can safely check for liver damage and inflammation in people with chronic liver disease without needing a biopsy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Shatin) |
| Trial ID | NCT05168982 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on developing non-invasive MRI technologies to evaluate and stage liver fibrosis and inflammation in patients with chronic liver disease. By utilizing the magnetic resonance effect, the researchers aim to obtain molecular-level information about liver tissues without the need for invasive procedures like liver biopsies. The proposed methods leverage endogenous contrast mechanisms and can be implemented on standard MRI scanners, making them practical for clinical use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 with chronic liver disease at various stages of inflammation and fibrosis who are scheduled for a liver biopsy.
Not a fit: Patients with liver cancer or those who have undergone liver transplantation are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer and more accessible method for diagnosing and monitoring liver conditions in patients.
How similar studies have performed: While non-invasive imaging techniques are being explored, this specific approach using endogenous contrast mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the age of 18 and 65. * Chronic liver disease (CLD) patients at different stages of liver inflammation (A0-3) and liver fibrosis (F0-4). * CLD patients who have indications and are scheduled to undergo liver biopsy. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with HCC or other types of cancers. * Patients who had undergone liver transplantation before enrollment. * Any contraindications to either liver biopsy or MRI scan.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Shatin
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wale Hospital — Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Weitian Chen
- Email: wtchen@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 3505 1036
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.