Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effect of Acute Endurance Exercise on the Production of FGF21 and Follistatin in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This research aims to understand how exercise changes certain substances, called hepatokines (specifically FGF21 and Follistatin), in people who have liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) alongside liver scarring (cirrhosis). Participants will do a moderate exercise session on a special exercise bike. Currently, we don't know much about how exercise affects these substances and other body chemicals in liver cancer patients. By studying these changes, the researchers hope to gain knowledge that could help create better exercise programmes and recommendations for people living with liver cancer.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2029

Cirrhosis With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

What is this study about?

Imagine your liver is like a factory in your body. Sometimes, this factory can get damaged, known as cirrhosis, which is a type of scarring. On top of that, some people might also develop liver cancer, called hepatocellular carcinoma. Doctors are always looking for ways to help people with these conditions, and one thing they're interested in is how our bodies react to exercise.

This study is trying to understand more about this. We know that when you exercise, your muscles and other organs release special chemical messengers. This study is focusing on two specific messengers, FGF21 and Follistatin, which come from the liver, and how their levels change after exercise in people with liver cancer and cirrhosis. Think of it like trying to see if exercising helps the liver factory produce different kinds of signals.

By carefully observing these changes, the researchers hope to discover if exercise could be a helpful tool in managing these conditions. If they find out that exercise has a positive effect on these chemical messengers, it could help doctors advise patients better on how to include safe and beneficial physical activity in their lives. The goal is to gather information that could lead to better guidance for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores how moderate exercise affects the body in people with liver cancer and cirrhosis.
It focuses on specific liver chemicals (FGF21 and Follistatin) and how they change with physical activity.
The findings could lead to better exercise recommendations for liver cancer patients.
Participation involves a single session of exercise on a bike and blood tests.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to have liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) that has developed because of cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver. Your liver scarring must be significant, or you've had issues like fluid build-up because of it. Your liver cancer should be at a stage where it's being treated with immunotherapy or a procedure called chemoembolization.

Your general health also matters. Doctors use a scoring system to check how well your liver is working, and you would need to be in certain categories (Child-Pugh A or B7). Also, your overall physical activity level, as measured by a WHO score, should be 2 or less, meaning you are mostly active and able to look after yourself.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have severe brain issues related to your liver (hepatic encephalopathy grade II or higher), or if your cancer has spread to your bones. Recent surgery, a liver transplant, bone or muscle injuries, being pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking part in another study at the same time would also mean you couldn't participate. You also need to be aged between 18 and 75 and be part of the French national social security system.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) that developed due to cirrhosis?
Is your liver cancer being treated with immunotherapy or chemoembolization?
Are you generally able to look after yourself and active (WHO score of 2 or less)?
Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Do you currently live in France and are you part of their social security system?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves a single exercise session. You will be asked to do a moderate workout on a special exercise bike called an ergocycle. Before and after this exercise, blood samples will be taken. These samples will help the researchers measure the levels of certain substances (FGF21 and Follistatin) and other chemicals in your blood. The total time for your involvement would be for this exercise session and the related blood tests.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information gained could help other patients with similar conditions in the future by improving exercise advice. The main risk involves the exercise session itself, which will be carefully supervised to ensure your safety. There are also minor risks associated with blood draws, such as bruising or discomfort. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Chu Estaing Medecine Digestive Et Hepatobiliaire
Verified postcode
Clermont-Ferrand, France
CHU de Clermont-Ferrand
Verified postcode
Clermont-Ferrand, France

Common questions

What is liver cancer?

Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma, is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. It often develops in people who have liver damage like cirrhosis.

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is when your liver becomes scarred and permanently damaged. This can make it harder for your liver to work properly.

What does 'submaximal exercise' mean?

Submaximal exercise means you will be exercising at a moderate level – not to your absolute maximum effort, but enough to get your body working.

Why are they studying these specific chemicals?

The study is looking at chemicals called FGF21 and Follistatin because they come from the liver and scientists want to see if exercise affects them in people with liver cancer. This could give clues about how exercise might help.

Does this study test a new drug?

No, this study is about understanding the effects of exercise, not testing a new medication. There are no drugs involved as part of the study intervention.

How to find out more

Lise Laclautre

promo_interne_drci@chu-clermontferrand.fr 0473754963 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.