Could a bile acid blocker prevent esophageal cancer?

NCT ID NCT04939051

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

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.

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.

Adenocarcinoma Of Esophagus Barrett esophagus esophageal adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Case Western Reserve University

    RECRUITING

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Cleveland Clinic Foundation

    RECRUITING

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • University of Kansas Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Washington University School of Medicine

    RECRUITING

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact