RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Abbreviated Magnetic Resonance Imaging vs Ultrasound Surveillance for Liver Cancer dETection in People at High Risk of Developing Liver Cancer

This study looks at whether a special type of MRI scan, called a non-contrast MRI, can be a better way to check for liver cancer in people who have liver scarring (cirrhosis) and are at high risk. Currently, these individuals have regular ultrasound scans, but sometimes these can miss early cancers. The study wants to see if this quick, 20-minute MRI, which doesn’t use a dye injection, can find more cancers than ultrasound. If successful, it could offer a safer and more effective way to screen for liver cancer every six months, leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatment chances. Participants will have both types of scans over 30 months.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

300

Start

01 May 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2039

Cirrhosis Cirrhosis Due to Hepatitis B Cirrhosis and Chronic Liver Disease Cirrhosis Due to Hepatitis C Cirrhosis of the Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma

What is this study about?

If you have a long-term liver condition that has led to scarring, known as cirrhosis, you are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer. To try and find cancer early, when it's most treatable, doctors usually recommend having an ultrasound scan every six months. However, ultrasounds aren't always perfect and can sometimes miss cancers.

This study is looking into a different kind of scan called a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, specifically one that doesn't involve injecting a special dye (called 'non-contrast' MRI). While other scans like CT or MRI with dye are great for diagnosing cancer, they can't be done every six months due to factors like cost, availability, or the effects of repeated exposure to radiation or dye over time. This particular non-contrast MRI is quick (about 20 minutes), doesn't use radiation, and doesn't involve dye injections, making it safer for regular use.

The main goal of this study is to see if this quick, non-contrast MRI can be a better way to regularly check for liver cancer in people with cirrhosis who are at high risk. They want to compare how well it works against the standard ultrasound to see if it can find more cancers earlier. If this new approach proves to be effective, it could lead to improved monitoring for liver cancer, potentially saving lives by catching the disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Key takeaways

This study compares a quick MRI to ultrasound for early liver cancer detection.
It's for people with liver scarring (cirrhosis) who are at high risk.
The MRI uses no dye (non-contrast) and is radiation-free, making it safe for regular checks.
Participants will have both scans every 6 months for 30 months.
The goal is to find out if MRI can find more cancers earlier than ultrasound.
Earlier detection often leads to more successful treatment for liver cancer.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who have liver scarring (cirrhosis) from conditions like alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or genetic haemochromatosis. You must already be having regular ultrasound checks for liver cancer and be considered at a higher-than-average risk for developing it. The study is also open to people who have had liver cancer successfully treated and are now back to having regular checks.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include if you can't have an MRI scan for medical reasons (like having certain metal implants), if you've had an allergic reaction to MRI dye in the past, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you've had a liver transplant, have advanced kidney problems, or have other serious health issues that might reduce your life expectancy significantly, you won't be able to take part.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have liver scarring (cirrhosis)?
Are you currently having regular ultrasound checks for liver cancer?
Can you have an MRI scan (e.g., no pacemakers, certain metal implants)?
Are you able to attend appointments for scans every six months?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to join this study, you will continue to have your usual ultrasound scan every six months for 30 months, just as you would normally. In addition to this, you will also have an extra non-contrast MRI scan every six months. This means you'll have six visits in total over two and a half years for these scans.

If either your ultrasound or the new MRI scan suggests there might be a liver cancer, you'll then have a standard MRI scan with a dye injection to get a clear diagnosis. At the very end of the 30 months, everyone in the study will have one final MRI scan with dye. You will also be asked to complete some questionnaires about your quality of life, any anxiety you might feel, and your experiences with both the MRI and ultrasound scans. The study team will also collect some information from your medical notes.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially benefit you by providing a very thorough check for liver cancer, as you'll be having both an ultrasound and a special MRI scan. This might mean that any cancer is found earlier than it would be with just ultrasound. The non-contrast MRI scan itself is generally very safe, doesn't use radiation, and doesn't involve dye. However, going for extra appointments for the MRI scans might take up more of your time. As with any study, there's always the chance that the new scan might find something that turns out not to be cancer, leading to extra tests and worry. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trudt
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Bournemouth University Hospital
Bournemouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is cirrhosis and why is it important for this study?

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver, often caused by long-term liver conditions. It's important because people with cirrhosis have a higher risk of developing liver cancer, and this study aims to find the best way to screen for it.

What is a 'non-contrast MRI'?

A non-contrast MRI is a type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your body. 'Non-contrast' means it doesn't involve injecting a special dye into your veins, making it simpler and safer for regular checks.

How long will I be in the study, and how many visits are there?

You'll be in the study for 30 months (two and a half years). During this time, you’ll have your regular ultrasound and the study MRI every six months, meaning about six visits for scans.

Will I still get my usual liver cancer checks if I join?

Yes, you will continue to receive your standard ultrasound scans every six months as part of your regular care, in addition to the extra MRI scans for the study.

What happens if they find something concerning?

If either the ultrasound or the study MRI shows something that could be liver cancer, you will have a standard MRI scan with dye to get a definite diagnosis and understand the next steps for your care.

How to find out more

Michael Pavlides, DPhil

michael.pavlides@cardiov.ox.ac.uk +44 1865234577 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.