Actively Recruiting
Abbreviated Magnetic Resonance Imaging vs Ultrasound Surveillance for Liver Cancer Detection in People at High Risk of Developing Liver Cancer
Led by University of Oxford · Updated on 2025-09-22
300
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
521 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Oxford
Lead Sponsor
B
Bournemouth University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to improve the diagnosis of liver cancer in people at high risk due to liver cirrhosis. The study focuses on those with cirrhosis caused by conditions such as alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C, and genetic haemochromatosis. People with cirrhosis are usually monitored with ultrasound scans every 6 months, but ultrasound can miss some cancers. This trial evaluates whether a quick, non-contrast MRI scan performed every 6 months can better detect liver cancer compared to standard ultrasound surveillance. Participants will receive ultrasound scans every 6 months as part of their usual care and also undergo a non-contrast MRI scan at the same 6-month intervals for 30 months, totaling six visits. If either scan suggests possible liver cancer, a detailed MRI with contrast will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. At the end of 30 months, all participants will have a contrast MRI to ensure no cancers were missed. The study compares cancer detection rates between ultrasound and non-contrast MRI scans. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires about their quality of life, anxiety, and experience with both types of scans. Medical records will also be reviewed for relevant data. Researchers will measure diagnostic performance for liver cancer, cancer stage and size at diagnosis, the proportion receiving treatment aimed at cure, participant experiences, and long-term outcomes up to 10 years after the last MRI. The study spans from enrollment through 30 months of active monitoring with extended follow-up for long-term results.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Abbreviated Magnetic Resonance Imaging vs Ultrasound Surveillance for Liver Cancer dETection in People at High Risk of Developing Liver Cancer
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study
- All genders, aged 18 years or above
- Eligible for hepatocellular carcinoma ultrasound surveillance as judged by local investigators
- Child Pugh score A or B
- Diagnosed with liver cirrhosis due to alcohol-related liver disease, metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, or genetic haemochromatosis
- Have an annual risk of hepatocellular carcinoma of at least 3% as determined by the aMAP score OR participants with chronic liver disease (with or without cirrhosis) who had successful treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, have not had recurrence, and returned to 6 monthly surveillance with ultrasound
You will not qualify if you...
- Contraindication to MRI
- Known allergy or reaction to intravenous gadolinium contrast
- Prisoners
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Previous liver transplant
- Known indeterminate liver nodules on prior imaging requiring ongoing MRI or CT follow-up
- Previous hepatocellular carcinoma treated with curative intent and still followed up with CT or MRI with contrast for possible recurrence
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 ml/min/1.73m2
- Participant on haemodialysis
- Unlikely to comply with study procedures as judged by local investigator
- Co-morbidity likely to cause death within 12 months as judged by clinician
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 30 months
Participants undergo ultrasound every 6 months as per routine clinical care. In addition, they have research non-contrast enhanced MRI at the same 6 monthly intervals to monitor for liver cancer.
Visits every 6 months for ultrasound and MRI
Duration - Up to 10 years after the last study MRI scan
Participants are followed for long-term outcomes after the last study MRI scan is performed.
Follow-up visits as scheduled for long-term outcomes
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trudt
Oxford, Oxon, United Kingdom, ox3 9du
Actively Recruiting
2
Bournemouth University Hospital
Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Michael Pavlides, DPhil
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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