How exercise affects FGF21 and follistatin in people with cirrhosis and liver cancer
Official title: Effect of Acute Endurance Exercise on the Production of FGF21 and Follistatin in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Run by University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT07189624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether submaximal cycling changes levels of hepatokines FGF21 and follistatin in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | immunotherapy |
| Locations | 2 sites (Clermont-Ferrand and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 21, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2028 |
| Study ends | April 2029 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07189624 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with cirrhosis complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma, suitable for immunotherapy or chemoembolization, and withChild-Pugh A/B7 and WHO score ≤ 2.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with advanced liver disease, encephalopathy, recent surgery, or other exclusion criteria may not experience benefit from the exercise protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study examines how a controlled bout of submaximal endurance exercise affects the production of hepatokines FGF21 and follistatin in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Participants will perform cycling on an ergometer, with measurements taken to see changes in hepatokines and related metabolites. The goal is to generate data that could inform personalized exercise recommendations for this patient population. It is conducted at a center in Clermont-Ferrand, France, led by the university hospital with no listed collaborators. Eligibility includes adults with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma requiring specific cancer therapies, and without major contraindications such as hepatic encephalopathy or recent surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could guide safer, more effective exercise prescriptions to support liver cancer patients with cirrhosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests that exercise can influence hepatokines in other populations, but this specific hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis context is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hepatocellular carcinoma developed on cirrhosis * Cirrhosis of any etiology, defined by a liver elasticity measurement \>15kPa or a history of cirrhosis decompensation * Hepatocellular carcinoma with indication for treatment by immunotherapy or chemoembolization * Child-Pugh scores A and B7 * WHO score ≤ 2 * Affiliation to french national social security system Exclusion Criteria: * Hepatic encephalopathy grade II or higher * Bone metastasis * Surgery performed within 30 days prior to inclusion visit * Liver transplant * Muscle injury within 3 months of inclusion * Pregnant or breast-feeding women * Patients under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship, safeguard of justice) * Participation in another clinical trial within 10 days of inclusion
Where it's running
-
CHU de Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand, France Recruiting -
Chu Estaing Medecine Digestive Et Hepatobiliaire
Clermont-Ferrand, France Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lise Laclautre
- Email: promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr
- Phone: 0473754963
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.