Evaluating treatments for immune-related hepatitis in cancer patients

A National Prospective Study of Patients With Hepatitis Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Characterization of Liver Injury, Outcome of Therapy and Randomization to Either Prednisolone or Mycophenolate Mofetil Treatment in Case of Relapse

Phase 2 Interventional Herlev Hospital · NCT04810156

This study is testing whether a new immunosuppressive drug works better than standard steroids for treating liver problems in cancer patients who have had immune therapy.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHerlev Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations5 sites (Herlev, Copenhagen and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04810156 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil in treating immune-related hepatitis in patients who have received immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer. It aims to characterize the liver injury patterns and treatment responses in patients who are steroid-dependent or refractory. The study will compare the outcomes of patients receiving standard steroid treatment versus those receiving a second-line immunosuppressive drug. By understanding these treatment responses, the trial seeks to optimize care for patients experiencing liver complications from cancer therapies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed solid cancers who have developed immune-related hepatitis after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients without a confirmed diagnosis of immune-related hepatitis or those who have not received immune checkpoint inhibitors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment strategy for patients suffering from immune-related hepatitis, potentially improving their overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the specific combination of treatments being tested, similar studies have shown promise in managing immune-related adverse events in cancer patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Cohort A:

- Abnormal liver parameters equal to ≥ grade 3 ir-hepatitis defined as; AST/ALT/ALP \>5 x ULN, INR ≥ 2.5 x ULN, or bilirubin \> 3.0 x ULN

Cohort B:

- Patients who recur during or within one months of prednisolone tapering of ≥2 ir-hepatitis equal to AST/ALT ≥3 x ULN, ALP ≥2.5 x ULN, INR ≥ 1.5 x ULN, or bilirubin ≥ 3.0 x ULN

Cohort A and Cohort B

* Histologically confirmed solid cancer
* Treatment with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) or Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1)/Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitor or a combination of CTLA-4 plus PD-1 inhibitors within 6 months
* Age: ≥ 18 years
* Women of childbearing potential: Negative serum pregnancy test and must use effective contraception. This applies from screening and until 6 months after treatment. Birth control pills, spiral, depot injection with gestagen, subdermal implantation, hormonal vaginal ring and transdermal depot patch are all considered effective contraceptives
* Men with female partner of childbearing potential must use effective contraception from screening and until 6 months after treatment. Effective contraceptives are as described above for the female partner. In addition, documented vasectomy and sterility or double barrier contraception are considered effective contraceptives
* Signed statement of consent after receiving oral and written study information
* Willingness to participate in the planned treatment and follow-up and capable of handling toxicities.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concomitant chemotherapy treatment or tyrosine kinases or angiogenesis inhibitors
* Concomitant immunosuppressive medication except prednisolone
* Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
* Known hypersensitivity to one of the active drugs or excipients
* Uncontrolled infection
* Acute viral hepatitis
* Any medical condition that will interfere with patient compliance or safety
* Simultaneous treatment with other experimental drugs or other anticancer drugs
* Pregnant or breastfeeding females
* Phenylketonuria

Where this trial is running

Herlev, Copenhagen and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hepatitis, Drug-InducedHepatitisImmunotherapyCancerAdverse eventsImmune checkpoint inhibitorsSteroid-refractorySteroid-dependent
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.