Antrodia cinnamomea for liver cancer patients after TACE
Effects of Antrodia Cinnamomea on the Hepatoma Patients After Transcatheter Hepatic Artery Chemoembolization
This trial tests whether taking Antrodia cinnamomea after TACE helps protect the liver and reduce post‑TACE symptoms in people with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung, Taiwan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07178093 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Hepatocellular carcinoma patients who undergo transcatheter hepatic artery chemoembolization (TACE) often develop post‑TACE symptoms and may experience worsened liver function. This interventional trial gives participants either Antrodia cinnamomea or a placebo after TACE and follows them for changes in symptoms, liver enzymes, and safety signals. Antrodia cinnamomea is a medicinal fungus used in Taiwan with reported hepatoprotective and anti‑inflammatory properties that could reduce post‑TACE complications. The study aims to determine whether adding this product improves tolerability of TACE without causing adverse effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 20–80 with hepatocellular carcinoma scheduled for TACE who have Child‑Pugh class A or B and liver enzyme and bilirubin levels within the specified limits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with Child‑Pugh class C, main portal vein thrombosis, diffuse liver tumors, severe organ dysfunction, or who are pregnant or lactating are unlikely to benefit or are excluded from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce post‑TACE symptoms and protect liver function, making TACE safer and better tolerated for HCC patients.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical data and small clinical reports suggest hepatoprotective and anticancer effects of Antrodia cinnamomea, but randomized clinical evidence in post‑TACE patients is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Sign the informed consent form * Aged between 20 and 80 * Child-Pugh score class A, B * Serum bilirubin level ≤ 1.5 times the upper limit of normal, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels ≤ 2 times the upper limit of normal Exclusion Criteria: * Unwillingness to sign the informed consent form * Child-Pugh score class C * Patients with main portal vein thrombosis * Patients with diffuse liver tumors * Those who are allergic to the contrast medium * Those with abnormal coagulation function * Those with severe dysfunction of brain, heart and lung * Patients with severe renal dysfunction (except those receiving renal dialysis) * Unable to cooperate * Those with uncontrolled arrhythmia and unstable blood pressure * Some patients with abnormal thyroid function * Any other contraindications such as active gastrointestinal bleeding, refractory ascites, or severe portal hypertension * Pregnant or lactating women
Where this trial is running
Taichung, Taiwan
- Taichung Tzu-Chi Hospital — Taichung, Taiwan, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yu Cheng-Chan, Dr
- Email: jefferyu@gmail.com
- Phone: +886-0436060666
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.