We focus on establishing an imaging biomarker for hepato-cellular carcinoma in the context of cirrhosis. The mixed modality technique of PET-MR currently holds the most promise in this regard. HTML OverviewLiver cirrhosis is characterized by tissue fibrosis & the conversion of normal liver architecture into structurally abnormal nodules which frequently become malignant as in the case of hepatocellular carcinoma.Presently, CT & MR are used to detect & characterize hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules in liver cirrhosis. However, CT & MR diagnostic accuracy is limited because both detection techniques rely on nodule vascularity. Consequently, we aim to establish an imaging biomarker which allows early & accurate detection & staging of HCC nodules before liver transplantation, as well as accurate differentiation of HCC nodules deserving treatment, from dysplastic & regenerative nodules which simply require imaging follow up. Integrated PET & MR (PET-MR) with 11C-acetate could provide increased diagnostic accuracy in HCC nodule detection & characterization. Research staff with an onology (hepatic) focusProf Edwin van BeekProf Damian MoleDr David MorrisDr Giorgos PapanastasiouProf John N PlevrisDr Scott Semple Current projectsCompleted projects – more info to come. Funding organisations & groupsMore info to come. This article was published on 2024-08-22
HTML OverviewLiver cirrhosis is characterized by tissue fibrosis & the conversion of normal liver architecture into structurally abnormal nodules which frequently become malignant as in the case of hepatocellular carcinoma.Presently, CT & MR are used to detect & characterize hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules in liver cirrhosis. However, CT & MR diagnostic accuracy is limited because both detection techniques rely on nodule vascularity. Consequently, we aim to establish an imaging biomarker which allows early & accurate detection & staging of HCC nodules before liver transplantation, as well as accurate differentiation of HCC nodules deserving treatment, from dysplastic & regenerative nodules which simply require imaging follow up. Integrated PET & MR (PET-MR) with 11C-acetate could provide increased diagnostic accuracy in HCC nodule detection & characterization. Research staff with an onology (hepatic) focusProf Edwin van BeekProf Damian MoleDr David MorrisDr Giorgos PapanastasiouProf John N PlevrisDr Scott Semple Current projectsCompleted projects – more info to come. Funding organisations & groupsMore info to come.
