A Prototype AI Algorithm Versus Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) Criteria in Diagnosing HCC on CT

Phase

N/A

Condition

Carcinoma

Liver Cancer

Abdominal Cancer

Treatment

LI-RADS

Prototype artificial intelligence algorithm

Clinical Study ID

NCT06626087

HMRF HCC AI

Ages > 18
All Genders

Study Summary

This study aims to prospective validate this AI algorithm in comparison with the current standard of radiological reporting in a randomized manner in the at-risk population undergoing triphasic contrast CT. This research project is totally independent and separated from the actual clinical reporting of the CT scan by the duty radiologist. The primary study outcome is to compare the diagnostic performance of the prototype AI algorithm versus LI-RADS criteria in determining HCC on CT in the at-risk population.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age >=18 years.
1. Defined as the at-risk population requiring regular liver ultrasonographysurveillance.

These include:

Cirrhotic patients of any disease etiology,
Chronic hepatitis B patients of age ≥40 years for men, age ≥50 years for women orwith a family history of HCC.

1. At least one new-onset focal liver nodule detected on liver ultrasonography.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Liver nodules of <1 cm. Currently such nodules are not reported using LI-RADScriteria but are recommended for a repeat scan in 3-6 months. In patients withmultiple liver nodules, the largest nodule will be assessed.
1. Patients with contraindications for contrast CT imaging, including a history ofcontrast anaphylaxis and impaired renal function (glomerular filtration rate <30ml/min).
1. Patients with prior transarterial chemoembolization or other interventionalprocedures with intrahepatic injection of lipiodol. Lipiodol is extremely hyperdenseon computed tomography and will preclude objective interpretation. Such patientswere also excluded in the development of our prototype AI algorithm.

Study Design

LI-RADS

November 01, 2023

March 31, 2026

Study Description

Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The main disease burden is found in East Asia, in which the age-standardized incidence is 26.8 and 8.7 per 100,000 in men and women respectively. In 2017, among the top 10 most common cancers in Hong Kong, liver cancer had the highest case fatality rate of 84.6%. The five-year survival rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) differ greatly with disease staging, ranging from 91.5% in <2 cm with surgical resection to 11% in >5 cm with adjacent organ involvement. The early and accurate diagnosis of HCC is paramount in improving cancer survival.

Unlike other common cancers, HCC is diagnosed by highly characteristic dynamic patterns on contrast-enhanced cross sectional imaging, without the need of pathological confirmation. The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) was established to standardize the lexicon, interpretation and communication of radiological findings related to HCC. However, up to 49% of nodules identified in computed tomography (CT) in the at-risk population are categorized by LI-RADS as indeterminate, further delaying the establishment of diagnosis.

There are currently studies pioneering the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of medical imaging. An interdisciplinary research team of clinicians, radiologists and statistical scientists, based on the clinical and radiological database of over 4,000 liver images, have developed an AI algorithm to accurately diagnose liver cancer on CT. Based on retrospective data, an interim analysis found the AI algorithm able to achieve a diagnostic accuracy of >97% and a negative predictive value of >99%.

If the prototype AI algorithm proves to have a better one-off diagnostic performance when compared to LI-RADS, it can facilitate the earlier diagnosis of HCC, allowing earlier definitive treatment and improving cancer survival.

Connect with a study center

Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong,
Hong Kong
Site Not Available
Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong,
Hong Kong
Site Not Available

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