Clinical Research Directory

Variability of Microwave Ablation Volume Based on Clinical, Radiological, Biological, and Tissue Factors

Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive technique whose planning relies on manufacturer tables derived from ex vivo models that do not account for patient or tumor-specific factors. In clinical practice, the actual ablation volume often differs from the planned volume due to liver characteristics, vascular proximity, and tumor biology. This study aims to assess the variability between ablation small axis during percutaneous microwave ablation of liver lesions. The influence of patient-related (fibrosis, steatosis, portal flow) and tumor-related factors (location, histology, prior treatment) will be evaluated. Small axis and volume will be compared with volumes measured on immediate post-procedural CT and on CT/MRI at 6-12 weeks, accounting for expected tissue shrinkage.

Prediction Model for MINS After Major Hepatobiliary Surgery

This multi-center, prospective observational study aims to develop and validate an interpretable prediction model for Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery (MINS) in patients undergoing major hepatobiliary surgery. The study adopts a nested modeling strategy, starting with baseline risk factors (e.g., RCRI) and stepwise incorporating hepatic inflow occlusion strategies (specifically comparing SPVO vs. Pringle maneuver) and routine intraoperative biomarkers. The model's performance will be evaluated using AUC, Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI), and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), followed by interpretability analysis using SHAP values and external validation in an independent cohort.

Single-cell Multiomics and Spatiotemporal Omics Analyze the Mechanism of Liver Degenerative Disease

The purpose of this observational study is to employ single-cell multi-omics and spatial omics technologies to characterize the spatial and immune structures within the livers of patients with fatty liver, hepatic hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HBV infection. The primary questions it aims to address are: Investigate the mechanisms of liver degenerative changes during the processes of liver aging, fatty liver, HBV infection, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Characterize the molecular features and cellular networks at different stages of liver degeneration and identify new targets and mechanisms for the cure of the aforementioned diseases. The study will collect peripheral blood and discarded liver tissue from patients with hepatic hemangioma, fatty liver, HBV infection, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis who are undergoing hepatectomy or liver biopsy.

T-Cell Therapy (ECT204) in Adults With Advanced HCC

This is an open-label, dose escalation, multi-center, Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at assessing the safety and preliminary efficacy of an investigational ARTEMIS® ECT204 T-cell therapy. The trial is suitable for adult subjects (≥ 18 years of age) diagnosed with GPC3-positive HCC, who have failed or not tolerated at least two (2) different anti-HCC systemic agents.

Y-90 Treatment Response Using Transarterial Radioembolization

This prospective clinical study will examine the ability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to assess the treatment response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to transarterial radioembolization (TARE). HCC is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and the single fastest growing cause of cancer mortality in the United States. TARE is recommended for 15-25% of HCC patients. Treatment response is generally evaluated using contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 1-2 months and 4-6 months post-TARE. Although TARE is an effective therapy, assessment of treatment response using CT/MRI is challenging because CT/MRI frequently diagnoses tumor response as equivocal or non-progressing for up to 6 months post-TARE based on Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) criteria. This delay in diagnosing tumor viability subsequently delays needed retreatment and can even serve as a barrier to transplantation. Our prior work in HCC locoregional therapy has shown CEUS provides improved sensitivity in detecting viable tumor following transarterial chemoembolization relative to traditional CT/MRI. Therefore, the investigators propose to evaluate both qualitative and quantitative CEUS as a tool for evaluating HCC post-TARE at similar time points of clinically recommended cross-sectional imaging, while also investigating the role of Kupffer phase imaging. The investigator plans to enroll a total of 30 patients scheduled for TARE of a treatment naïve HCC over an 18-month period, allowing for a minimum of 6 months follow up. Patients will undergo a CEUS examination within two weeks of their first two clinically indicated CT/MRI exams (obtained at Jefferson 1-2 months and 4-6 months post TARE). Patients will be recruited across six major hospitals within the Jefferson Health Enterprise. Those eligible for participation will be identified by project co-investigators and contacted by the study coordinator to discuss participation and to explain the study. The patient will be given time to consider the risks and benefits of the study and ask questions about participation. If agreeable, the patient will then arrange with the project coordinator to come to Jefferson's center city campus to sign consent and take part in the research study.

DEBIRI Plus Chemotherapy vs. Chemotherapy Alone in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

A total of 116 patients who meet the inclusion criteria and are chemotherapy-naïve for their metastatic disease, will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (DEBIRI plus systemic chemotherapy) or the control group (systemic chemotherapy alone). After 4 cycles of chemotherapy and 2 cycles of DEBIRI, patient reassessment to evaluate treatment response, based on RECIST criteria, will be performed using MRI or CT scan within 1-3 months of treatment initiation. The feasibility of secondary tumor resection, as primary endpoint, will be reassessed at a three-month follow-up multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, guided by established clinical guidelines.

Radio-opaque Contrast Agents for Liver Cancer Targeting With KIM During Radiation Therapy

This observational study will investigate the properties of image files standardly collected during radiation therapy treatment in a cross-section of liver cancer patients who received stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy (SABR) after trans-catheter arterial chemo emobilisation (TACE). Specifically, it will determine whether the radio-opaque contrast agents in the image files can be detected by tumour-tracking software (KIM).