OE MRI to Predict Treatment Response After TACE in HCC Patients
This study is investigating a new way to understand how liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma, or HCC) responds to a common treatment called TACE. We're using a special type of MRI scan, called a dynamic oxygen-enhanced MRI (dOE-MRI), to look at the tumour before and after treatment. This MRI helps us see how much oxygen is reaching the cancer cells. Cancers that don't get much oxygen (called 'hypoxic' tumours) can sometimes be harder to treat. By measuring these oxygen levels, we hope to predict early on whether the TACE treatment will be effective for a patient. This could help doctors make more informed decisions about treatment plans in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study focuses on a type of liver cancer known as HCC, which is the most common kind of liver cancer. We're studying patients who are receiving a treatment called TACE. TACE is a procedure where cancer-fighting drugs are delivered directly to the tumour in the liver through a small tube, and the blood supply to the tumour is often blocked. This helps to kill the cancer cells while limiting harm to healthy parts of the liver. Another similar treatment sometimes used is SIRT.
The main goal of this research is to see if a special type of MRI scan can help us predict how well TACE treatment will work for individual patients. This particular MRI, called a dynamic oxygen-enhanced MRI (dOE-MRI), looks at how much oxygen is in the tumour. Some cancer cells don't get much oxygen, and these 'hypoxic' tumours can behave differently and sometimes be harder to treat. By measuring oxygen levels before and after TACE, we hope to get an early indication of whether the treatment is successfully affecting the tumour.
Understanding how a tumour responds to treatment early on is really important. If we can predict how effective TACE will be, doctors might be able to adjust treatment plans sooner for patients who aren't responding as expected. This could lead to more personalised and effective care for people with HCC.
Key takeaways
- This study uses a special MRI to understand liver cancer response to treatment.
- It aims to predict how well TACE treatment works by measuring oxygen in tumours.
- Participation involves extra MRI scans before and after TACE.
- The study could help doctors make better treatment choices for future patients.
- You must be 18-70 years old with HCC and no certain other health issues.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged between 18 and 70 years old. You must have been diagnosed with a specific type of liver cancer called HCC, and your tumour needs to be larger than 25mm (about 1 inch). You also need to be scheduled to receive TACE treatment as part of your standard medical care.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. You cannot participate if you have any existing lung problems or if you cannot stay still for about two hours inside an MRI scanner. We also can't include people who have health conditions that make MRI scans unsafe, or if you can't have the special 'dye' (contrast agent) that is sometimes used with MRI scans. If you feel very anxious or claustrophobic in enclosed spaces, this study might not be suitable either.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
- Do you have Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) with a tumour larger than 25mm?
- Are you scheduled for TACE treatment?
- Do you have any existing serious lung conditions?
- Are you comfortable lying still in an MRI scanner for up to two hours?
- Do you have any metal implants or other reasons why you can't have an MRI?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will have a special MRI scan before your TACE treatment and then another one after. These scans use a contrast agent, which is a special liquid injected into your arm that helps the doctors see clearer images. During the MRI scans, you'll be asked to breathe normally. The MRI machine is a large tube, and you'll need to lie still inside it for up to two hours. We will also monitor how your tumour responds to treatment over time using standard imaging checks that you would have anyway. Your overall health and survival will also be followed by the study team. The total duration of your participation will depend on the follow-up period for your cancer treatment, but the main study scans happen around your TACE procedure.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CRCHUMVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada
Common questions
What is HCC?
HCC stands for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, which is the most common type of primary liver cancer.
What is TACE?
TACE is a treatment for liver cancer where drugs are delivered directly to the tumour and its blood supply is often blocked, helping to kill cancer cells.
What is a 'hypoxic' tumour?
A hypoxic tumour is one that doesn't receive much oxygen. These tumours can sometimes be harder to treat with standard therapies.
Will I get any extra medication in this study?
No, you will only receive the standard TACE treatment as recommended by your doctor. The study involves extra MRI scans, not new medications.
How long will the MRI scan take?
Each special MRI scan for the study could take up to two hours, during which you will need to lie still.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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