Pretreatment contrast-enhanced MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging to find hidden liver metastases in pancreatic cancer
Official title: PRetreatment MRI for OCcult Liver Metastasis Assessment In Pancreatic Ductal adenocarcinoMa. An International Multicentric, Prospective, Diagnostic Accuracy Trial
Run by Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo di Alessandria · NCT07252076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether adding contrast-enhanced MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging before treatment can find hidden liver metastases in adults newly diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo di Alessandria Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alessandria, Piedmont) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 17, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 17, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07252076 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (over 18) with a new cytological or histological diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a CT showing localized pancreatic disease, no prior treatment, and ability to provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who already have metastatic disease visible on initial CT or who have received prior treatment for their pancreatic disease are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study enrolls adults with a new cytological or histological diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and no signs of metastasis on initial CT. Participants undergo contrast-enhanced MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging within three weeks of the diagnostic CT to search for occult liver metastases. Findings from MRI will be compared with initial CT results and any intraoperative or follow-up findings to determine how often MRI detects lesions missed by CT. The goal is to refine pre-treatment staging and reduce unnecessary surgery by improving detection of small liver metastases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could detect small liver metastases earlier and help avoid unnecessary surgery for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous smaller studies and case series have suggested that contrast-enhanced MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging can reveal occult liver metastases missed by CT, but evidence remains limited and not yet routine.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female patients over 18 years of age. * Patients with a new cytological or histological diagnosis of PDAC. * A CT scan demonstrating pancreatic disease and meeting the minimum criteria for the imaging assessment of pancreatic gland tumors (see section 4.6, study procedures). * An MRI performed no later than 3 weeks after the CT scan, also meeting the minimum radiological criteria (see section 4.6, study procedures). * No prior treatment for pancreatic disease. * Patients able to receive and understand the study information and to provide written informed consent duly signed by both the patient and the investigator. Exclusion Criteria: * Signs of metastatic disease on the initial CT scan (hepatic, pulmonary, distant lymph node, peritoneal carcinomatosis, or other organ involvement).
Where it's running
-
SC Chirurgia Generale
Alessandria, Piedmont, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Clinical Trial Center Clinical Trial Center
- Email: clinicaltrialcenter@ospedale.al.it
- Phone: 0131206893
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.