Quick MRI scans versus ultrasound for catching liver cancer early

This trial is testing whether a new type of MRI scan—one that takes only about 20 minutes and doesn't require any dye injection—might be better at catching early liver cancer in people at high risk. Right now, people with cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) get ultrasound scans every 6 months to look for cancer, but these scans sometimes miss tumors. The researchers want to see if the new MRI scan can find cancers that ultrasound might miss.

Many people with liver cirrhosis develop liver cancer, and early detection saves lives. However, standard ultrasound isn't perfect—it misses some cancers even when done regularly. The CT and MRI scans that are better at detecting cancer can't be done every 6 months because they're expensive, use radiation, or involve dye that can build up in the body over time. This new type of MRI without dye could offer a better option that's safe, quick, and affordable enough to use for regular screening.