Using advanced ultrasound techniques to improve liver cancer diagnosis
Added Value of Shear Wave Viscoelasticity Imaging, Homodyned-K Tissue Imaging and Acoustic Attenuation to Assess Liver Cancer at Ultrasound: a Multiparametric Learning Approach
Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) · NCT04409340
This study is testing new ultrasound techniques to see if they can help doctors better diagnose liver cancer in patients with liver lesions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Montréal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT04409340 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to enhance the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by employing innovative quantitative ultrasound (QUS) techniques that assess tumor viscoelasticity and tissue structure. The researchers hypothesize that these advanced imaging methods, combined with machine learning classification models, will significantly improve the sensitivity and specificity of liver cancer detection compared to standard ultrasound. The study will involve patients with focal liver lesions visible during ultrasound screening, who are either enrolled in a monitoring program or referred for characterization. By improving early detection rates, the study seeks to increase the number of patients eligible for curative treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with focal liver lesions visible on ultrasound and who are either in a monitoring program or referred for characterization.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have contraindications to MRI, or have chronic kidney disease preventing the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of liver cancer, improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing advanced imaging techniques for liver cancer detection have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both innovative and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Are at least 18 years old at screening; * Able to comprehend and willingness to provide voluntary consent; * Are able to have a MRI; * Understand French or English; * Patients enrolled in a monitoring program or referred for the characterization of a focal liver lesion; * Focal liver lesion is visible during ultrasound screening in B-mode. Exclusion Criteria: * Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant; * Have a weight or girth preventing from entering the MR magnet bore; * Are unable to understand or unwilling to provide written informed consent for this study; * Have a contraindication to MRI (pacemaker, insurmountable claustrophobia); * Have chronic kidney disease preventing the injection of gadolinium-based contrast agent.
Where this trial is running
Montréal, Quebec
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) — Montréal, Quebec, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Guy Cloutier, PhD — Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)
- Study coordinator: Guy Cloutier, PhD
- Email: guy.cloutier@umontreal.ca
- Phone: 514-890-8000
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.
Conditions: Liver Cancer, quantitative ultrasound, Viscoelasticity, Homodyned-K imaging, Liver cancer, Viscoelastography, Ultrasound attenuation