AuthorisedTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

F-18 PSMA-11 PET for Imaging and Staging of Hepatocellular carcinoma with Evaluation of Survival

This study is investigating a new type of imaging scan called F-18 PSMA-11 PET/CT for people with liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma. Doctors are using this scan to see how well it can spot cancer cells and how widely the cancer has spread. They will compare it to other common scans. The main goal is to improve how doctors see and understand this kind of cancer, which could help them decide on the best treatment. Researchers will also be looking at how long patients live and how long they stay free from cancer progression after their treatment. This is a Phase II study, meaning it's still in the early stages of research.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent

Enrolment target

Start

23 Aug 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma

What is this study about?

This research study is focusing on a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. Doctors are always looking for better ways to detect cancer early and understand how it behaves, which can lead to more effective treatments. This study is testing a specific imaging technique called F-18 PSMA-11 PET/CT.

Think of it like a very advanced camera that can 'light up' cancer cells. The F-18 PSMA-11 is a special tracer that's injected into the body. It's designed to attach to certain proteins that are often found on cancer cells, making them visible on the PET/CT scan. The study wants to see how accurately this scan can find liver cancer spots within 60 to 90 minutes after the tracer is given.

Beyond just finding the cancer, the study will also look at how this new scan compares to other existing scans that detect cancer cells. Researchers will follow patients over time to see if the information from this scan can help predict how well they respond to treatment, how long they live, and how long they remain free of cancer growth. The ultimate aim is to improve our understanding of liver cancer and potentially offer more personalised and effective care in the future.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new way to scan for liver cancer.
It uses a special tracer called F-18 PSMA-11 to help see cancer cells.
The goal is to improve how doctors detect and understand liver cancer.
Participation involves receiving injections and having imaging scans.
It's a research study that could help doctors make better treatment plans in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be an adult, 18 years old or older. The study is open to both men and women.

Beyond basic age and sex, specific health conditions related to your liver cancer would also be important. The doctors would need to check your medical history to make sure the study tests and procedures are safe and appropriate for you.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have Hepatocellular Carcinoma (a type of liver cancer)?
Are you able to attend scan appointments as scheduled?
Are you comfortable with receiving injections and undergoing scans?
Are you willing to be followed up for up to two years?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would undergo several imaging scans. The main component involves receiving an injection of the special tracer F-18 PSMA-11, followed by a PET/CT scan usually within 60 to 90 minutes. You might also have other scans like F-18 FDG PET and F-18 Choline PET for comparison.

Participation would involve attending scheduled appointments for these scans and follow-up checks. The study aims to follow patients for up to two years to understand the long-term effects and how your cancer progresses. Your medical team will explain the full schedule and what each visit entails.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include gaining more detailed information about your specific cancer, which might help your doctors in planning your treatment. You would also be contributing to medical research that could help others with liver cancer in the future. Potential risks might include discomfort from injections, mild allergic reactions to the tracer, or exposure to a small amount of radiation from the scans, similar to standard medical imaging. You should always discuss these fully with the study team. Remember, taking part in any clinical trial is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any time without explaining why, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Belgium

Common questions

What is Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

It's the most common type of liver cancer that starts in the main cells of the liver.

What does a PET/CT scan do?

It's a special type of scan that combines two imaging techniques to create detailed pictures inside your body, helping doctors spot cancer cells more effectively.

What is F-18 PSMA-11?

It's a safe, short-acting 'tracer' substance injected into your body that helps cancer cells show up more clearly on the PET/CT scan.

Why are they studying this new scan?

Doctors want to find better ways to see where liver cancer is, how much it has spread, and track how well treatments are working.

Is this a new treatment?

No, F-18 PSMA-11 PET/CT is an imaging technique, not a treatment. It helps doctors see the cancer better.