NCT07586046 · Northwestern University
Defining the Ablative Dose for Y-90 TARE
(MARGIN)
What this study is about
This study is being done to help doctors improve how they treat liver tumors that cannot be removed by surgery or treated with standard ablation techniques. The researchers want to find out the best amount of radiation that needs to be delivered to completely destroy (or ablate) parts of the liver that have cancer.
View original scientific description
This study is being done to help doctors improve how they treat liver tumors that cannot be removed by surgery or treated with standard ablation techniques. The researchers want to find out the best amount of radiation that needs to be delivered to completely destroy (or ablate) parts of the liver that have cancer.
Interventions
OTHER
Yttrium-90 Radiation Segmentectomy (Y90 RS) using glass microspheres
The objective of this study is to define an optimal "ablative dose" range for Y90 Radiation Segmentectomy that achieves complete sectoral ablation detectable on dual contrast MRI and to determine whether this dose-response relationship differs between cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients.
Primary outcome measures
Ablative Dose Threshold for Y90 Radiation Segmentectomy
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of post-treatment Y90 12 month follow up visit
To prospectively define the "ablative dose" threshold for Y90 Radiation Segmentectomy (RS) using post-treatment PET dosimetry and hepatobiliary phase MRI
Impact of Cirrhosis on Ablative Dose Requirements
Time frame: From enrollment to enrollment to post-treatment Y-90 12 month follow-up visit
To determine whether cirrhotic patients require a higher threshold dose for ablation compared to non- cirrhotic patients
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma, or liver-dominant metastatic disease not amenable to surgical resection or ablation.
- Age ≥18 years.
- Child-Pugh class A or B liver function
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2.
- Adequate organ and bone marrow function as defined below:
- Leukocytes (WBC) ≥ 3,000/mcL
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,500/mcL
- Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL
- Platelets ≥ 50,000/mcL
- Total bilirubin ≤ 3.0 mg/dL
- AST ≤ 100 U/L, ALT ≤ 120 U/L
- Creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL or estimated GFR ≥ 40 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Ability to undergo imaging and laboratory evaluations required by the study.
- Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Extrahepatic metastases.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
- Tumors requiring treatment of more than two Couinaud segments.
- Known hypersensitivity to gadolinium-based contrast agents.
- Contraindications to MRI (e.g., incompatible pacemakers, claustrophobia unresponsive to sedation).
- Coagulopathy or clinical instability precluding angiographic intervention.
- Prisoners or individuals under legal custody.
- Adults unable to consent.
- Individuals under 18 years of age.
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Collaborators
Radiological Society of North America, Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations