Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to check Y-90 radioembolization response in liver cancer

Official title: Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Evaluation of Radioembolization Treatment Response

Run by Thomas Jefferson University · NCT07145801 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This will test whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can show treatment response to Y‑90 radioembolization in people with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma who are scheduled for TARE.

More Hepatocellular Carcinoma trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorThomas Jefferson University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 11, 2025
Main results expectedJune 30, 2027
Study endsJune 30, 2027
Registry record updatedJune 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT07145801 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults (≥18 years) with treatment‑naïve HCC visible on ultrasound who are medically stable, scheduled for TARE, and able to consent (with a negative pregnancy test if applicable).

Probably not a fit

Patients who are medically unstable, seriously or terminally ill, have tumors not visible on ultrasound, or have known sensitivities to Lumason or Sonazoid 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 prospective Phase 2 study enrolls 30 patients with treatment‑naïve hepatocellular carcinoma visible on ultrasound who are scheduled to receive Y‑90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE). Baseline ultrasound and dual CEUS exams will be performed using Lumason followed by Sonazoid with timed imaging of arterial, late vascular, and Kupffer phases, and data exported for offline analysis. Imaging findings will be compared to the clinical course and routine post‑TARE imaging follow‑up to determine whether CEUS detects viable tumor earlier than standard CT/MRI criteria. Participants will be followed for at least six months after TARE to capture treatment response and any need for retreatment or transplant listing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, CEUS could detect viable tumor earlier after TARE, enabling faster retreatment decisions and earlier transplant consideration.

How similar studies have gone: Prior CEUS work in HCC has shown promise for characterizing tumor vascularity and response, but using dual‑contrast CEUS specifically for early post‑TARE response is relatively novel and not yet widely validated.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled for TARE therapy of a treatment naïve HCC visible on ultrasound.
* Be at least 18 years of age.
* Be medically stable.
* If a female of child-bearing age, must have a negative pregnancy test.
* Have signed Informed Consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are medically unstable, patients who are seriously or terminally ill, and patients whose clinical course is unpredictable.
* Patients with known sensitivities to the components of Lumason.
* Patients with known sensitivities to the components of Sonazoid.

Where it's running

  • Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.