Improving physical health in older cancer survivors with supplements

A Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Trial of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) on Frailty and Inflammation in Older Survivors of Cancer

Phase 2 Interventional University of Rochester · NCT06068543

This study is testing if a natural supplement can help older cancer survivors feel stronger and healthier over 12 weeks.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment118 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Rochester Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Rochester, New York)
Trial IDNCT06068543 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the impact of a 12-week intervention using Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) on reducing physical frailty in pre-frail older adults who have survived cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the EGCG supplement or a placebo, allowing researchers to compare the effects on frailty levels. The study aims to determine if this natural compound can enhance physical resilience and overall health in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with stage I-III cancer and have completed curative treatment within the last 10 years.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing chemotherapy or systemic cancer treatment, or those with significant liver issues, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the physical health and quality of life for older cancer survivors experiencing frailty.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into the effects of EGCG on health, this specific approach targeting frailty in older cancer survivors is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Be age 65 or over.
2. Be diagnosed with stage I-III Cancer
3. Have completed curative intent treatment ≤10 years prior to screening Patients on the following endocrine therapies are allowed to enroll (Anastrozole,Leuprolide acetate, and Bicalutamide)
4. Have a Fried's Frailty Score (FFS) of ≥ 1
5. Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Have chemotherapy or other systemic cancer treatment planned to occur during the study period.
2. Have abnormal liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) per most recent available lab test (within 3 months of screening)

   * 3 times institutional upper limit of normal for ALT and AST
   * 1.5 times institutional upper limit of normal for bilirubin
3. Have uncontrolled or unmanaged liver disease.
4. Consume more than 6 cups of green tea per day.
5. Have known allergies to caffeine.
6. Be diagnosed with a major psychiatric illness requiring hospitalization within the last year.
7. Be diagnosed with dementia.
8. Cannot provide informed consent due to lack of decision-making capacity (as determined by the patient's oncologist).

Where this trial is running

Rochester, New York

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 FrailtyInflammation
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.