Using EGCG to prevent liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis

Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial of Epigallocatechin Gallate for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Chemoprevention

PHASE2 · University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT06015022

This study is testing if a supplement called EGCG can help prevent liver cancer in people who have cirrhosis.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06015022 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial investigates the effectiveness and safety of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in preventing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either EGCG or a placebo for 24 weeks, with dosage adjustments based on interim analysis of a specific biomarker. The primary endpoint is the change in the biomarker PLSec, while secondary endpoints include adverse events and quality of life assessments. Optional liver biopsies may provide additional insights into changes in tissue-based HCC risk markers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with clinically diagnosed cirrhosis, no history of liver cancer, and elevated HCC risk as indicated by specific clinical scores.

Not a fit: Patients with active liver decompensation, severe obesity, or a history of adverse reactions to green tea products may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the risk of developing liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of EGCG in this context is novel, previous studies have suggested potential benefits of EGCG in cancer prevention, warranting further investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (≥ 18 years-old)
* Clinically and/or histologically diagnosed cirrhosis
* No active hepatic decompensation
* No prior history of HCC
* Adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal function
* Karnofsky performance status score ≥70
* Both sexes and all racial/ethnic groups will be considered
* FIB-4 index \> 3.25
* High-risk PLSec at baseline
* Absence of HLA-B\*35:01

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior or ongoing use of EGCG
* History of adverse reaction to green tea products
* Severe obesity (BMI \> 40 kg/m2)
* Active drinking
* EGCG treatment \<4 weeks or \<80% of planned regimen at the end of week 4
* HCC development during the study

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cirrhosis, Liver, hepatocellular carcinoma, chemoprevention, liver cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.