Software-Aided Imaging for Liver Cancer Ablation
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a software-aided imaging system, such as Morfeus, to determine if it can enhance the accuracy of ablation therapy, which uses heat to destroy cancer cells, for liver tumors. The goal is to ensure complete coverage and effective treatment of the tumor during the procedure. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving standard ablation care and the other using the software-aided imaging for potentially improved results. Eligible participants may have up to three liver tumors and plan to undergo thermal ablation. Those already dealing with liver tumors and considering ablation might find this trial worth exploring. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.
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 team or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that software-aided imaging is safe for liver cancer ablation?
Research has shown that software-aided imaging systems, such as Morfeus, hold promise for improving liver cancer ablation. Ablation is a treatment that removes or destroys tumors. Studies have demonstrated that these software tools help doctors see and confirm the areas they treat during ablation more clearly.
A review of various studies found that the success rate of using these tools immediately after ablation ranged from 81.3% to 100%. This indicates that, in many cases, the software helped ensure the tumor was fully treated. Importantly, these studies identified that using software to check treatment borders is crucial for reducing risk.
Since this trial is in a later phase, there is already some confidence in the safety of using software-aided imaging with ablation. However, like any treatment, risks can occur. Overall, the data so far indicate that this approach is well-tolerated by patients.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about software-aided imaging for liver cancer ablation because it could enhance the precision of standard ablation therapy. Unlike typical treatments that rely solely on the physician's skill and standard imaging, this approach uses advanced software to guide the procedure, potentially increasing accuracy and effectiveness. This innovation could improve outcomes by precisely targeting cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue, offering hope for better patient recovery and survival rates.
What evidence suggests that software-aided imaging is effective for liver cancer ablation?
Research shows that software tools like Morfeus can enhance the accuracy of liver tumor treatments. In this trial, one group of participants will receive standard care ablation, while another group will receive standard care ablation with software-aided imaging using Morfeus. Studies have found that this technology ensures the entire tumor is targeted and treated. Accurate targeting is crucial because it reduces the risk of missing cancer cells during the procedure. Evidence suggests that these tools can lead to better outcomes by ensuring full tumor coverage. Additionally, accurate imaging helps verify the success of the treatment immediately after completion. Overall, these tools could improve liver tumor treatments by ensuring complete tumor treatment.12345
Who Is on the Research Team?
Bruno Odisio, MD
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients with up to 3 liver tumors, each 1-3 cm in size, who are planning to undergo thermal ablation. They must be able to cover the tumor as seen on CT or MR imaging and have a good performance status (0-2). Participants need functioning kidneys and visible tumors on contrast-enhanced CT. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with severe coagulopathy, high anesthesia risk (ASA >4), recent other local treatments, active infections that could affect the study, very low platelets or high INR cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Patients undergo standard of care ablation, with or without software-aided imaging (Morfeus)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Ablation Therapy
- Image-Guided Therapy
- Morfeus
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator