NCT06999174

Multiparametric MRI for Characterization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Multiparametric MRI for Optimized Imaging-based Characterization and Therapy Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 128 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University Hospital Muenster · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This prospective observational study investigates using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve the characterization and management of therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The goal is to evaluate whether advanced MRI parameters can support noninvasive diagnostic assessments and personalized treatment plans for patients with HCC. The study is being conducted at a single university center in Germany and includes adult patients with confirmed or suspected HCC. Participants will undergo standardized multiparametric MRI examinations, and the imaging data will be correlated with clinical, pathological, and therapeutic outcomes. No study-specific interventions or medications will be administered.

Detailed description

This prospective, monocentric, observational study evaluates the clinical utility of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the characterization and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study focuses on how advanced MRI techniques-such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), and quantitative mapping (T1/T2)-can provide functional insights into tumor biology. Conducted at a German university hospital, the study investigates whether mpMRI can improve diagnostic precision and assist in therapeutic decision-making for patients undergoing locoregional treatments like transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT). By integrating multiple MRI biomarkers, the study aims to explore correlations between imaging features and treatment response. Imaging protocols follow current clinical standards, and the study introduces no investigational agents. Radiological evaluations are performed by expert radiologists, and statistical analysis is pre-specified. The study complies with ethical and data protection standards.

Conditions

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Multiparametric MRI	Diagnostic multiparametric liver MRI, performed at three time points: before (≤14 days), 24 hours after, and 4-6 weeks after TACE or 3 months after SIRT.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-01
• Primary completion: 2027-05-01
• Completion: 2028-05-01
• First posted: 2025-05-31
• Last updated: 2025-07-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Germany