The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the intraoperative use of a computer guidance software can improve the success of liver tumor ablation in adults. The employed software calculates and displays a simulation of the ablation such that the physician can visualize what portion of the target tumor has, and has not been treated at any point during the procedure. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1) Does the use of the computer guidance software reduce the number of times a tumor is incompletely treated. 2) Does the use of the computer guidance software reduce the rate of local tumor recurrence at 2 year follow-up? 3) Was there an increase or a decrease in medical problems for participants after a procedure where the guidance software was used?
Researchers will compare liver tumor treatment using the computer guidance software with an historic control to see if the addition of the guidance software improved the outcomes after an ablation.
Participants will:
Undergo CT-guided microwave ablation treatment of a liver tumor using computer-assisted simulation. Visit the clinic at one month and then every 3 months for blood tests and a contrast-enhanced CT or MRI imaging study (as per standard of care)
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 90 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age ≥ 18 years, with life expectancy of at least 1 year
. Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) confirmed by:
. Localized disease without macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis, eligible for curative-intent percutaneous thermal ablation, defined as:
. Tumor location deemed technically feasible for percutaneous ablation by the treating interventional radiologist
. ECOG Performance Status 0-2
. Adequate coagulation status, defined as:
. Ability to undergo contrast-enhanced CT or MRI
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Local Tumor Progression
Timeframe: Assessed at each imaging follow-up visit ( at every 3 months, up to 24 months).