PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:~I. To investigate the variability of hypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as quantified by blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamic 18F-Fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) positron emission tomography (PET).~SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:~I. Investigate whether hypoxia, as quantified by BOLD MRI, dynamic FMISO PET, HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression, predicts HCC response to yttrium-90 (Y90) selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT).~II. Assess whether hypoxia quantification by BOLD MRI, dynamic FMISO, HIF-1alpha or VEGF expression individually or in combination more accurately predict the degree of HCC tumor response to Y90 SIRT.~III. Compare the tumor dose response threshold between hypoxic and non-hypoxic HCCs treated with Y90 SIRT.~OUTLINE:~Patients receive 18F-fluoromisonidazole intravenously (IV) and undergo PET and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI within 30 days before beginning Y90 SIRT. Patients undergo Y90 SIRT per standard of care.~After completion of study intervention, patients are followed up at 90 days, and then every 12 weeks thereafter.
This early phase I trial evaluates the use of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) as a measure in determining the outcome of Y90 selective internal radiation therapy in patients with liver cancer that has spread to a limited number of sites (oligometastatic). Radioembolization with Y90 is a minimally invasive procedure that combines embolization and radiation therapy to treat metastatic liver cancer. Tiny beads filled with radioactive isotope Y-90 are placed inside the blood vessel that provide blood supply to the tumor. This will block the blood flow to the tumor cells while providing a high radiation dose without harming healthy normal tissue.