Can a prostate cancer scan also spot liver tumors?

NCT ID NCT05095519

NEW Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 18, 2026 · Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Summary

This trial is testing whether a special PET/CT scan, typically used for prostate cancer, can better detect hepatocellular carcinoma (the most common type of liver cancer) compared to standard CT or MRI scans. The study will enroll about 30 adults with liver lesions suspicious for cancer. Participants will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer called 18F-DCFPyL, which binds to PSMA, a protein that may be present on liver cancer cells. The goal is to see if this scan can accurately identify cancerous lesions, potentially improving diagnosis and reducing the need for invasive biopsies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: 18F-DCFPyL, a radioactive tracer used for PSMA PET/CT imaging
What this could lead to: If successful, this imaging approach could offer a more accurate, non-invasive way to detect liver cancer, potentially reducing the need for biopsies.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study, so results may not be definitive. The tracer may not reliably distinguish liver cancer from other conditions, and there is a small radiation exposure risk.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hepatocellular carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Austin Health

Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
St Vincent's Hospital

Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia
The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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