Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the UK and incidence is rising faster than any other cancer. Liver cirrhosis is a precursor condition in the majority of cases. The earlier an HCC is diagnosed, the more likely it is that curative treatment can be given. We are interested in the early detection of HCC, including the use of diagnostic tools and surveillance strategies in people with cirrhosis.
Research
We are particularly interested in the use of data science techniques to study early detection of HCC. Professor Matthew Cramp and Dr Kris Bennett are undertaking an NIHR-funded Health Technology Evaluation evaluating the benefits, harms and costs of surveillance for HCC in people with cirrhosis, through synthesis of observational and diagnostic test accuracy data. As part of his PhD, Dr Kris Bennett is evaluating the efficacy of surveillance using causal inference methodology to interrogate big, electronic health record datasets.
Clinical Trials
We are actively recruiting to the DeLIVER programme of research, led by Oxford University. For the SELiNa study we are recruiting individuals with HCC to identify novel blood biomarkers and new imaging techniques to detect HCC. For the Pearl study we are recruiting patients with liver cirrhosis for prospective follow-up to assess whether technologies from the SELINa study are able to detect HCC at early stages. We are also participating in the TACE3 trial and ICANEQUAL (a UK wide multi-stakeholder partnership for reducing inequalities for those at risk and those diagnosed with HCC).
We are actively recruiting to the DeLIVER programme of research, led by Oxford University. For the SELiNa study we are recruiting individuals with HCC to identify novel blood biomarkers and new imaging techniques to detect HCC. For the Pearl study we are recruiting patients with liver cirrhosis for prospective follow-up to assess whether technologies from the SELINa study are able to detect HCC at early stages. We are also participating in the TACE3 trial and ICANEQUAL (a UK wide multi-stakeholder partnership for reducing inequalities for those at risk and those diagnosed with HCC).
