Could a bile acid blocker prevent esophageal cancer?

NCT ID NCT04939051

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether obeticholic acid can reduce damage from bile acids in people with Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer. About 30 adults with Barrett's esophagus will take the drug or a placebo for 6 months. Researchers will measure changes in certain cells linked to cancer risk.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Obeticholic acid
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to lower the risk of Barrett's esophagus turning into esophageal cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants, so results may not apply widely. The drug may not reduce cancer risk or could cause side effects.

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.

Adenocarcinoma Of Esophagus Barrett esophagus esophageal adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BARRETT ESOPHAGUS ESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Case Western Reserve University
RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
University of Kansas Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
Washington University School of Medicine
RECRUITING

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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