Phase 2 Study of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound to Assess Treatment Response in Liver Tumor Patients Undergoing Chemoembolization

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound CEUS to assess how well patients with liver tumors respond to transarterial chemoembolization TACE. TACE is a treatment that blocks blood flow to liver cancers while delivering chemotherapy. This study is a phase II trial aiming to see if CEUS can detect treatment effects earlier and more accurately than current standard imaging methods like MRI or CT scans. Participants receive an intravenous injection of Lumason, a contrast agent that helps visualize blood flow during ultrasound imaging. CEUS is performed multiple times two weeks before TACE, during the TACE procedure, one to two weeks after TACE, and again one to two months afterward. After completing these imaging sessions, patients are followed up for six months to monitor their progress. During the study, patients undergo CEUS scans at set intervals combined with the TACE treatment to evaluate tumor response. Researchers will measure outcomes such as recurrence, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values related to CEUS performance for up to six months. The study also explores advanced imaging techniques to improve the accuracy of CEUS and investigates whether pre-treatment CEUS can predict therapy response. Patient safety and treatment effects are closely monitored throughout the study period.

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound to Evaluate Response to Chemoembolization in Patients With Liver Tumors