Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound + Radioembolization for Liver Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This phase II trial studies how well perflutren protein-type A microspheres and contrast-enhanced ultrasound work in improving response to radioembolization therapy in patients with liver cancer. Ultrasound contrast agents, such as perflutren protein-type A microspheres, use gas microbubbles to improve image quality. Using contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging will "pop" these microbubbles and cause tumors to become more sensitive to radiation therapies.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is Yttrium-90 radioembolization safe for liver cancer treatment?
Yttrium-90 radioembolization, also known as Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), has been used to treat liver tumors by delivering radiation directly to the cancer while minimizing exposure to healthy liver tissue. Studies have shown it to be generally safe for patients with inoperable liver cancer, with careful patient selection and treatment planning being important for minimizing risks.12345
How is the treatment Yttrium-90 Microsphere Radioembolization unique for liver cancer?
Yttrium-90 Microsphere Radioembolization is unique because it delivers high doses of radiation directly to liver tumors through the blood vessels, minimizing exposure to healthy liver tissue. This targeted approach combines radiation therapy with embolization (blocking blood flow to the tumor), making it effective for inoperable liver cancers.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for liver cancer?
Research shows that Yttrium-90 (Y-90) resin microsphere therapy, a part of this treatment, has been effective in treating inoperable liver tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases from other cancers. This therapy delivers targeted radiation to liver tumors while minimizing damage to healthy liver tissue, improving clinical outcomes for selected patients.12356
Who Is on the Research Team?
John Eisenbrey, PhD
Principal Investigator
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for stable adults with untreated liver cancer (HCC) masses under 6 cm, visible on ultrasound. They must consent to the study and women of childbearing age need a negative pregnancy test before each exam. It's not for critically ill patients, those with high bilirubin levels or heart failure, pregnant/nursing women, or anyone allergic to perflutren.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Patients receive perflutren protein-type A microspheres intravenously and undergo contrast-enhanced ultrasound, or undergo standard of care yttrium Y-90 radioembolization
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging
- Perflutren Protein-Type A Microspheres
- Yttrium-90 Microsphere Radioembolization
Yttrium-90 Microsphere Radioembolization is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Colorectal cancer liver metastases
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Colorectal cancer liver metastases
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Thomas Jefferson University
Lead Sponsor
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
Lead Sponsor
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator