VA To Launch Study To Detect Early Signs Of Liver Cancer

The VA plans to launch a study in 2023 of 4,700 Veterans from 47 medical centers into the best means of detecting the early signs of liver cancer. They are seeking Veterans diagnosed with Cirrhosis for the study. Cirrhosis is the leading risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer, which is the 6th leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.

The trial’s objective is to determine whether screening with abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging is better than ultrasound. The study is better known as PREMIUM—PREventing Liver Cancer Mortality through Imaging with Ultrasound vs. MRI. Ultrasound is the current standard used.

“This type of large, multicenter trial could only be conducted in VA, the largest integrated health care system in the country,” said Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, the assistant under secretary of Health for Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks. “VA has a high prevalence of patients with advanced liver disease who could benefit from screening for liver cancer. The study has the potential to change clinical practice for tens of thousands of Veterans and non-Veterans alike. It could answer key questions about liver cancer screening that have been debated for more than three decades.”

Ultrasound has long been the standard of care for liver cancer screening. Its quality can vary significantly depending on the person doing the procedure and the body type of the patient. MRI is the gold standard for detecting liver cancer once a mass is detected on ultrasound. Abbreviated MRI, a much shorter procedure than standard MRI, has shown promise in detecting liver cancer at early stages.

Learn More About The VA Study: CSP #2023 PREventing liver cancer Mortality through Imaging with Ultrasound vs. MRI (PREMIUM STUDY)

Find Other CSP Clinical Trials Available Through The VA Here: www.research.va.gov/