Using AI to Improve Treatment Choices for Early Liver Cancer

Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Early-stage Hepatocellular CarcinomaTreatment Based on Multi-modal Image

Observational The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School · NCT05627297

This study is testing if using artificial intelligence with advanced imaging can help doctors choose the best treatment for patients with early liver cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorThe Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT05627297 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to create two prognostic models for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI). By integrating artificial intelligence with imaging and clinical data, the study seeks to predict outcomes for patients undergoing either liver resection or radiofrequency ablation. The goal is to personalize treatment options based on individual patient characteristics and imaging results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma tumor less than 5 cm in diameter and good liver function.

Not a fit: Patients with prior treatments or those unable to undergo necessary imaging due to medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more tailored and effective treatment strategies for patients with early liver cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of AI in imaging for cancer treatment is gaining traction, this specific approach combining CEUS and DE-MRI for hepatocellular carcinoma is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary single hepatocellular carcinoma confirmed by histology or cytology, with a maximum diameter ≤5.0 cm;

  * Good liver function, Child-Pugh grade A;

    * No serious dysfunction of heart, lung, kidney and other important organs ④ Liver resection or radiofrequency ablation was performed in our hospital, and the study protocol and follow-up procedure were followed.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who cannot perform DCE-MRI examination due to metal implants in the body ② Patients who had received other treatment before DCE-MRI or CEUS;

  * Invisible lesions, diffuse lesions or poor DCE-MRI/CEUS image quality under CEUS; ④ Drug abuse, clinical or psychological or social factors that make informed consent or study implementation affected.

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu

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 Hepatocellular Carcinoma
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.