Variability in microwave ablation size for liver tumors

Variability of Microwave Ablation Volume Based on Clinical, Radiological, Biological, and Tissue Factors : a Retrospective Study

Observational Central Hospital, Nancy, France · NCT07413640

This project will see if patient and tumor features change the size and shape of microwave ablation zones in adults treated for liver tumors.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentral Hospital, Nancy, France Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy)
Trial IDNCT07413640 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational study of adults treated with percutaneous microwave ablation for one or more liver lesions at a single center. Planned ablation dimensions from manufacturer tables will be compared with ablation size measured on immediate post-procedure CT and on CT or MRI at 6–12 weeks, accounting for expected tissue shrinkage. The analysis will examine patient-related factors (liver fibrosis, steatosis, portal flow) and tumor-related factors (location, histology, prior treatments) to explain differences between planned and actual ablation volumes. Cases with missing manufacturer data, repeat treatments on the same lesion during the same session, or without suitable follow-up imaging will be excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults undergoing percutaneous hepatic microwave ablation at CHRU Nancy who have manufacturer planned ablation data and available contrast-enhanced follow-up imaging between 1 and 4 months are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients without manufacturer planned-volume data, without adequate post-procedure contrast imaging, or who had repeat treatment/reoperation on the same lesion are unlikely to benefit from the study findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians better predict ablation zones and personalize planning to reduce under-treatment or unnecessary damage to healthy liver.

How similar studies have performed: Retrospective reports have documented discrepancies between planned and actual ablation sizes, but prospective, systematic quantification that accounts for both patient and tumor factors remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients
* Treated with percutaneous hepatic microwave ablation under CT or ultrasound guidance
* Adult treated for one or more liver lesions
* Patients with available follow-up imaging

Exclusion Criteria:

* Two treatment cycles on the same lesion during the same session.
* Reoperation on the same lesion.
* Planned volume not available (no manufacturer data, not specified in the surgical report).
* No control imaging injected between 1 and 4 months post-procedure.
* Final ablation volume not measurable (e.g., artifacts, no injection on MRI).
* No definitive diagnosis of the nature of the tumor on imaging and no histology available.

Where this trial is running

Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy

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 Neoplasm
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.