Could a common liver drug replace steroids for immunotherapy side effects?

NCT ID NCT07378761

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a drug already used for other liver conditions, can treat cholestatic hepatitis—a liver inflammation caused by immunotherapy—better than standard steroids. About 94 adults with cancer (excluding liver cancer) who develop this side effect will be randomly assigned to UDCA or steroids. The main goal is to see if liver function improves by at least 25% after 21 days.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)
What this could lead to
If UDCA works, it could offer a safer, effective alternative to steroids for treating liver side effects from immunotherapy, helping patients stay on their cancer treatment.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial (94 people) that hasn't started yet. UDCA may not work as well as steroids, and some patients may still need steroids.

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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • APHP Paul Brousse

    Paris, France

  • CHU Bordeaux

    Bordeaux, France

  • CHU Montpellier

    Montpellier, France

  • CHU Poitiers

    Poitiers, France

  • CHU Toulouse

    Toulouse, France

  • HCL Croix Rousse

    Lyon, France