Using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to diagnose liver cancer

Clinical Application of Quantitative Major Imaging Features of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System

Observational Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University · NCT06590948

This study is testing whether a special type of ultrasound can help doctors find liver cancer in patients who are at high risk without needing to do invasive procedures like biopsies.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT06590948 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on the application of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to diagnose liver cancer in high-risk patients. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CEUS in identifying hepatic carcinoma without the need for invasive procedures like biopsies. The study includes patients with liver cirrhosis, chronic viral hepatitis B, or a history of liver cancer, and requires imaging data to be collected within two months prior to surgery. The findings could enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline the management of liver cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with liver cirrhosis, chronic viral hepatitis B, or a history of liver cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with liver cirrhosis from congenital causes or those who have undergone recent cancer treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of liver cancer, reducing the need for invasive procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies utilizing LI-RADS with contrast-enhanced imaging techniques have shown promising results in improving liver cancer diagnosis.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. High-risk groups of HCC: patients with liver cirrhosis or chronic viral hepatitis B, or patients who have been diagnosed with HCC or have a history of HCC in the past, as well as adult liver transplant patients and follow-up patients after liver transplantation;
2. CEUS and contrast-enhanced CT/MRI examinations were performed within 2 months before surgery;
3. There are clear surgical pathological or puncture pathological results;
4. Clinical, imaging, and pathological data are complete

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who are not suitable for LI-RADS: patients aged 18 years old or liver cirrhosis caused by congenital liver fibrosis or liver cirrhosis due to hepatovascular disease or diffuse regenerative nodules in the liver;
2. Those who underwent drug therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy) or local treatment of target lesions (TACE, radiotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, etc.);
3. The quality of the patient's preoperative image or surgical pathological image is poor or incomplete;
4. Those with annular hyperenhancement or marginal nodular hyperenhancement of arterial lesions in contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

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 Cancerhepatic carcinomacontrast-enhanced ultrasoundliver imaging reporting and data systemwashout
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.