NCT06899152 · Montefiore Medical Center
HepQuant: Study to Assess the Role of Blood-based Biomarkers and Quantitative MR Imaging for Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy for Liver Cancer
(HepQuant)
What this study is about
This is a pilot and feasibility study assessing the role of quantitative multiparametric MRI and blood-based biomarkers for the measurement of liver function in patients receiving radiation therapy for liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma, or liver metastases regardless of primary histology, that are undergoing photon radiation either in the de-novo or re-irradiation setting. The goal of this study is to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of using quantitative multiparametric MRI to monitor liver function at baseline and following liver radiation therapy.
View original scientific description
This is a pilot and feasibility study assessing the role of quantitative multiparametric MRI and blood-based biomarkers for the measurement of liver function in patients receiving radiation therapy for liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma, or liver metastases regardless of primary histology, that are undergoing photon radiation either in the de-novo or re-irradiation setting. The goal of this study is to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of using quantitative multiparametric MRI to monitor liver function at baseline and following liver radiation therapy.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
HepQuant DuO
HepQuant DuO is a quantitative liver function test. It assesses cholate uptake, a liver specific function. Cholate is a naturally occurring substance that is cleared by the liver. Cholate uptake reflects the health of liver cells.
OTHER
Multiparametric MRI Scans
Standard of care
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of Quantitative MRI
Time frame: Approximately 3 months
Feasibility will be determined by assessing the proportion/percentage of participants who complete at least 2 quantitative multiparametric MRI scans following study enrollment. The proportion/percentage of patients will be summarized by study arm using basic descriptive statistics and a Clopper-Pearson 95% exact confidence interval will be determined.
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
- Patient has the psychological ability and general health needed to provide informed consent, completion of study requirements, and required follow-up
- Patient provides study-specific informed consent prior to study entry
- All primary histologies (Hepatocellular carcinoma or Cholangiocarcinoma) as well as hepatic metastases are eligible
- Prior history of radiation therapy (external beam or radioembolization) is allowed, with no limit to the number of prior courses of radiation therapy
- Any number of lesions (with no size limit) of pathologically documented (histologically or cytologically) or radiographically proven tumor/metastasis that are being targeted
- Prior history of liver resection, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), or ablation are allowed with no restriction on number of prior therapies, or time from current study registration
- Prior history of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted biological therapy is allowed
- Concurrent enrollment on other prospective registry or treatment intention trials is allowed
Exclusion criteria
- must be met for subjects interested in the HepQuant subset of the trial. The first 20 qualifying subjects will be enrolled for the additional HepQuant test. Inclusion Criteria:
- Patient has the psychological ability and general health needed to provide informed consent, completion of study requirements, and required follow-up
- Patient provides study-specific informed consent prior to study entry
- All primary histologies (Hepatocellular carcinoma or Cholangiocarcinoma) as well as hepatic metastases are eligible
- Prior history of radiation therapy (external beam or radioembolization) is allowed, with no limit to the number of prior courses of radiation therapy
- Any number of lesions (with no size limit) of pathologically documented (histologically or cytologically) or radiographically proven tumor/metastasis that are being targeted
- Prior history of liver resection, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), or ablation are allowed with no restriction on number of prior therapies, or time from current study registration
- Prior history of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted biological therapy is allowed
- Concurrent enrollment on other prospective registry or treatment intention trials is allowed Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant or breast-feeding females
- Subjects with history of claustrophobia impacting ability to perform MRI during the study
- Subjects who fulfill any of the contraindications for MRI; examples include any ferromagnetic material, any metallic shrapnel or fragments or implanted electronic devices contained within the body or metal-containing tattoos
- Unable to participate in MR assessments due to physical limitations of equipment tolerances (MRI bore size and/or weight limit)
- Any person unable to lie still within the environment of the MRI scanner or maintain a breath hold for the required period to acquire images Exclusion criteria for HepQuant SHUNT DuO testing ONLY:
- Known history or suspected hypersensitivity to human serum albumin, or its preparations
- Subjects with extensive resection of large segments of small intestine (short gut) or severe gastroparesis (e.g., diabetic or medication-induced gastroparesis)
- Subjects on either a non-selective beta blocker (propranolol, nadolol), or an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) who are unwilling or unable to delay taking their normal dose the morning of their testing
- Subjects who are allergic to any ingredient in the formulations or components in the HepQuant SHUNT DuO kit including the human serum albumin (HSA) or cholate compounds (theoretical - none yet reported)
- Subjects unwilling or unable to fast for at least 5 hours. Fasting means no intake of food or food supplements, including fiber preparations or biosimilars; or any preparations or resins (cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam) that might act within the gut lumen to bind the orally administered d4-cholate in the HepQuant test.
Where
- The Bronx, New York
Collaborators
HepQuant, LLC, Perspectum
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 Jul 23, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations