Digestive Health & Gastroenterology Clinical Trials Update: Week 16, 2026

Published April 17, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert

Can Aspirin Reduce the Risk of HCC in Cirrhosis: The AspiRe HCC Trial

This Phase 3 trial is exploring whether taking a low dose of aspirin daily can help prevent liver cancer in people with liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis patients currently have few options to lower their risk of developing liver cancer. If aspirin proves effective, it could become an important preventive treatment. The trial is being conducted in Australia and plans to include 890 participants who will be treated for four years.

A Study of Vedolizumab in Children With Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn's Disease (CD)

This Phase 3b study focuses on the long-term safety of vedolizumab, a medication given through an IV, in children who have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. These chronic conditions cause inflammation in the digestive tract, and this trial aims to provide more information about how safe vedolizumab is when used over time by young patients. The study is currently recruiting children globally, including those who have taken part in earlier related research.

Developing a Colonoscopy Preparation Protocol for Patients With Diabetes

This trial is testing a new way to prepare for colonoscopy specifically designed for people with diabetes. The goal is to reduce episodes of low blood sugar during the preparation period and to improve the quality of bowel cleaning by using a low fiber diet and same-day preparation steps. Conducted in Canada, the study plans to enroll 40 patients and may lead to safer and more effective colonoscopy prep for people managing diabetes.

Real-time AI-assisted Endocyroscopy for the Diagnosis of Colorectal Lesions

This study tested a new tool that uses artificial intelligence during endoscopy to help doctors better identify colorectal lesions, which are abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. By improving diagnosis accuracy, this AI-assisted method could reduce the number of unnecessary treatments or procedures. The trial was completed in China with 570 participants, and the findings will help shape future approaches to diagnosing colorectal conditions.

Immunosuppressant Discontinuation in Elderly Patients With Ulcerative Colitis And Long-term Remission

This Phase 4 trial is investigating whether elderly patients with ulcerative colitis who have been in remission for a long time can safely stop taking immunosuppressant drugs called thiopurines. Stopping these medications may reduce side effects and improve quality of life if remission can be maintained without them. The study includes patients aged 60 and older and will follow them for 24 months to assess safety and disease control.

This week saw important progress in digestive health and gastroenterology research, with trials addressing prevention, safety, and improved diagnostic methods. These studies focus on real needs for patients, such as preventing liver cancer, ensuring safe treatments for children, and improving preparation and diagnosis for colon procedures. As research advances, new options and better care strategies continue to emerge for people affected by digestive diseases.

TrialsAlert subscribers received the full impact-classified briefing and doctor-ready report this week. Get weekly briefings at trialsalert.com.