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.