Could a common liver drug replace steroids for immunotherapy side effects?
NCT ID NCT07378761
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Sep 10, 2026 · Updated 3 times
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.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 94 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2026
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ≥18 years old * Any type of cancer except hepatocellular or cholangiocarcinoma * At least one ICI injection * Cholestatic hepatitis Grade CTC-AE 3 or 4 Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing corticosteroids treatment * Other causes of hepatitis * Cirrhosis * ICI for hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma * Biliary obstruction * Medical contraindication to corticosteroids or UDCA * Mixed or hepatocellular hepatitis * Total bilirubin \> 1,5 ULN, Prothrombin rate \< 70% * Medical contraindication to MRI or liver biopsy * Oher serious side effects requiring corticosteroids * Pregnant and breast-feeding patients * Patients under articles L1121-5 to 8 of the public health code * Lack of informed consent * Patients not affiliated with French social security system * Patients uncapable of understanding french
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
6 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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APHP Paul Brousse
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGParis, France
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CHU Bordeaux
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGBordeaux, France
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CHU Montpellier
RECRUITINGMontpellier, France
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CHU Poitiers
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGPoitiers, France
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CHU Toulouse
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGToulouse, France
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HCL Croix Rousse
RECRUITINGLyon, France