Spectral CT during embolization and ablation for liver and kidney tumors

Intra-procedural Spectral CT for Image-guided Embolization and Ablation in Interventional Oncology

Observational Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research · NCT07303725

This pilot tries a new spectral CT technique during image-guided embolization and ablation for adults with liver or kidney tumors to see if it improves image quality and helps guide treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPalo Alto Veterans Institute for Research Academic / other
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT07303725 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational pilot will collect intra-procedural spectral CT images using Canon Medical's 4D CT system during mapping arteriography before trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) and during tumor ablation. The study will record feasibility of image acquisition, image quality, and procedural utility such as shunt fraction estimation, lesion identification, T:N dose ratio prediction, and dose distribution. It will also explore spectral CT-derived effective atomic number maps to detect physiologic tissue changes during ablation in both ex vivo models and clinical ablation procedures. Procedures will be performed at VA Palo Alto Healthcare System in collaboration with Canon Medical Systems without altering standard clinical workflow.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a liver (primary or metastatic) or renal tumor larger than 1.5 cm in an area without prior surgical or ablative therapy who are eligible for the indicated embolization or ablation procedure may qualify.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for the indicated procedure, have BMI over 35, have prior surgery at the target site, or have tumors ≤1.5 cm are unlikely to gain benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technique could give clearer intra-procedural images to improve tumor targeting, dose planning, and monitoring during embolization and ablation.

How similar studies have performed: Spectral and dual-energy CT methods have shown promise in diagnostic and interventional imaging, but intra-procedural 4D spectral CT for guiding embolization and ablation is a relatively novel application with limited prior clinical data.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

1. Age \> or = 18 years
2. Tumor in an area without prior surgical or ablative therapy
3. At least 1 tumor greater than 1.5 cm in greatest diameter

Exclusion criteria:

1. Not eligible for indicated procedure.
2. BMI \> 35
3. Prior surgery.

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

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.
Conditions Liver CancerRenal Cancerspectral CT
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.