Recruiting

Using CT Scans to Predict Survival in Pancreatic and Liver Cancers

Plain-English translation of NCT02361320 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center want to understand whether special CT scans taken before and after chemotherapy or radiation can predict how long patients with pancreatic or liver cancer will live. The study looks at how tumors change on these scans and whether those changes tell us which treatments are working best. This research could help doctors choose better treatments and give patients more accurate information about their outlook.

Currently, doctors don't have a reliable way to predict which patients will do well with cancer treatment just by looking at scans. This study aims to validate a new method for analyzing scans that could help doctors personalize treatment and give patients more hope by identifying who will benefit most from their therapy.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that is either locally advanced or borderline resectable (meaning the tumor cannot be easily removed with surgery), or you have hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma (types of liver cancer)
you are well enough to receive chemotherapy or radiation treatment (your doctor rates your overall health as 0 or 1 on a standard performance scale)
you have agreed to receive chemotherapy, radiation, or other recommended cancer treatment
you are willing to have CT scans as part of your regular cancer care — one before treatment starts and one at your first follow-up visit
if you are a woman who could become pregnant, you agree to use reliable birth control during treatment

You likely don't qualify if…

you have cancer that has already spread to distant parts of your body outside the pancreas or liver
you are not healthy enough to receive chemotherapy or radiation treatment
you are not planning to receive any cancer treatment

What participation looks like

You will receive two CT scans as part of your normal cancer care: one before you start chemotherapy or radiation, and another at your first follow-up visit with your oncologist (usually 4 to 6 weeks later, depending on your treatment). You may also be asked to complete a short questionnaire about any digestive symptoms you're experiencing. Optional MRI scans may be offered at certain time points. All of these scans and questionnaires are designed to fit into your regular doctor visits, so participation shouldn't require extra trips or time.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 10, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas