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Endoscopic Variceal Ligation vs Carvedilol for the Prevention of First Esophageal Variceal Bleeding in Patients With HCC

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ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06594744

PhasePHASE4

Enrollment120

SponsorTaipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan

Age20 Years – 90 Years

SexALL

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Conditions studied

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), Esophageal Varices

About this study

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) or carvedilol is more effective at preventing the first esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It will also learn about the safety of EVL and carvedilol in patients with HCC. The main questions it aims to answer are: Whether EVL or carvedilol is more effective at preventing initial EVB in patients with HCC with high-risk EVs. What medical problems do participants have when undergoing EVL or taking carvedilol? Researchers will compare the efficacy and safety of EVL to carvedilol for the prevention of first EVB in patients with HCC. Participants will: Undergo EVL every 3-4 weeks until variceal eradication and then receive regular endoscopic follow-up according to the protocol, or Take carvedilol every day (start from 6.25 mg/d and then titrate to 12.5 mg/d if tolerable). Visit the clinic once every 2-3 months for checkups and tests. Keep a diary of their vital signs (SBP, DBP, and HR) as well as symptoms.

Interventions

Procedure: Endoscopic variceal ligation — EVL will be performed and repeated every 3 to 4 weeks until the EVs are eradicated. Following this, patients will undergo regular upper gastrointestinal endoscopic surveillance, initially every three months for a total of two sessions, then every six months for a total of two sessions, and subsequently annually. If EVs are found to recur during surveillance, additional EVL will be performed every 3 to 4 weeks until the varices are again eradicated endoscopically.
Drug: Carvedilol — The initial dosage of carvedilol is set at 6.25 mg daily. In the absence of hypotension (systolic blood pressure \< 90 mmHg), bradycardia (resting heart rate \< 55 beats per minute), or other adverse effects, hospitalized patients may have their dosage increased to 12.5 mg daily after 3 days, while outpatient patients may increase their dosage to 12.5 mg daily after 7 days. This dosage represents the target dose for the trial.

Primary outcomes

Esophageal variceal bleeding (3 years)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: \- Patients with HCC and high-risk EVs, confirmed through imaging and clinical data (classified as F2 or F3 EVs according to Beppu et al. classification) Exclusion Criteria: * Age less than 20 years or greater than 90 years. * History of esophageal variceal bleeding. * Previous treatment for EVs, including EVL, endoscopic sclerotherapy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), or surgical interventions. * Use of non-selective β-blockers within two weeks prior to enrollment. * Contraindications for non-selective β-blockers, including severe atrioventricular block, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, poorly controlled diabetes, and severe peripheral artery disease. * Presence of other end-stage organ diseases, including terminal cancers other than HCC, heart failure, and renal failure. * Pregnant women.

Study locations

Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217 Taiwan

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-11-13.