ProspEXPO: How exposome factors relate to liver cancer risk in cirrhosis
Official title: ProspEXPO : PROSPective Study of the Associations Between Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Chemical and Psychosocial Environmental EXPOsome
Run by University Hospital, Angers · NCT07119957 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study collects blood, urine, and stool samples from people with liver cirrhosis to see how environmental and lifestyle factors might influence the development of liver cancer (HCC).
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Angers Government |
| Locations | 4 sites (Angers and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | March 2029 |
| Registry record updated | June 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07119957 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with metabolic and/or alcoholic steatotic liver disease (MASLD, ALD, or mixed MetALD) who have had a recent liver biopsy or plan one as part of cirrhosis management, and who consent to bio-collection.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants whose liver cancer risk is not associated with identifiable exposome factors or who are in the control group without HCC may not directly benefit from this research.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study builds a biocollection from patients with cirrhosis to explore associations between exposome factors—nutrition, activity, socio-demography, tobacco, alcohol, pollutants—and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. It leverages blood, urine, and stool samples to study biological markers and their link to HCC in people with MASLD, ALD, or mixed MetALD. Participants may be grouped as controls (cirrhosis without HCC) or cases (cirrhosis with HCC) based on recent liver biopsy or treatment context. The research is observational in nature with a focus on generating hypotheses for how environmental and psychosocial exposures modulate liver cancer risk. Results could inform risk stratification and future prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could improve understanding of how exposome factors influence HCC risk in cirrhosis and guide future prevention and monitoring efforts.
How similar studies have gone: There is emerging evidence linking environmental and psychosocial factors to liver disease progression, but this specific exposome-biorepository approach for HCC risk in cirrhosis is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Presence of metabolic and/or alcoholic steatotic liver disease, as defined by the new nomenclature (MASLD, ALD, or mixed MetALD)
* Liver biopsy performed (less than 2 months ago) or planned as part of treatment for diagnosis of cirrhosis ("Control" group without HCC) or diagnosis of HCC on cirrhosis ("Case" group)
* Patient affiliated to or benefiting from a social security scheme
* Patient having signed an informed consent to participate in the study (bio-collection)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Causes of chronic liver disease other than MASLD, ALD, or MetALD
* Decompensation of cirrhosis in the two years prior to inclusion (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal variceal hemorrhage, liver failure, hepatorenal syndrome)
* For the "Control" group: history of hepatocellular carcinoma
* Pregnant, breast-feeding or parturient women
* Persons deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision
Where it's running
-
Angers University Hospital
Angers, France Recruiting -
Centre Eugène Marquis (Oncology center)
Rennes, France Not yet recruiting -
Rennes University Hospital, Hepatogastroenteroly Department
Rennes, France Not yet recruiting -
Tours University Hospital, HepatoGastroenterology Department
Tours, France Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jérôme BOURSIER, Professor — University Hospital, Angers
- Study coordinator: Jérôme BOURSIER, Professor
- Email: JeBoursier@chu-angers.fr
- Phone: +33 (0)2 41 35 64 28
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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.