Old gout drug tested as new hope for advanced liver cancer

NCT ID NCT04264260

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested colchicine, a drug usually used for gout, in 42 people with advanced liver cancer that could not be treated with curative intent. Participants took colchicine tablets daily in cycles of 4 days on, 3 days off. The study measured how long patients survived and tracked side effects. Results were compared to similar patients from past records, not a placebo group.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Colchicine tablets

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new palliative option to help people with advanced liver cancer live longer and manage symptoms.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 42 participants and no randomized control group. Colchicine may cause side effects and might not improve survival.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cholangiocarcinoma combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma hepatocellular carcinoma intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma liver cancer Liver Neoplasms undifferentiated carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital

    Kaohsiung City, 807, Taiwan