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FRIEND: Fibroids and Unexplained Infertility Treatment With Epigallocatechin Gallate; A Natural CompounD in Green Tea (FRIEND)

Primary Purpose

Leiomyoma, Uterine

Status
Recruiting
Phase
Phase 3
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Green Tea Extract
Placebo
Sponsored by
Yale University
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Leiomyoma, Uterine focused on measuring Uterine Fibroids

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 40 Years (Adult)FemaleDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Intramural fibroids and/or subserosal fibroids that meet the criteria for FIGO types 2-6; at least one fibroid with an average diameter of at least 1 cm in three dimensions. Participants with multiple fibroids including FIGO type 0 and type 1 will be allowed only in combination with additional fibroids type 2-6.
  2. Women ≥18 to ≤40 years of age, with six months or more infertility history, desirous of conceiving, regularly ovulating (defined as 9 or more menses per year), at initiation of participation. Women < 35 years of age must have at least 12 months of infertility history.
  3. Baseline AMH ≥ 1.0 ng/ml.
  4. At least one open fallopian tube confirmed by hysterosalpingography (HSG), sonohysterography, or laparoscopy/hysteroscopy in the last three years preceding enrollment into the study. An uncomplicated intrauterine non-IVF pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery and postpartum course resulting in live birth within the last three years will also serve as sufficient evidence of a patent tube and normal uterine cavity as long as the participant did not have, during the pregnancy or subsequently, risk factors for Asherman's syndrome or tubal disease or other disorder leading to an increased suspicion for intrauterine abnormality or tubal occlusion.
  5. Minimal, mild, or moderate endometriosis (per PI discretion).
  6. Evidence of ovarian function/reserve as assessed by day 3 (+/-2 days) FSH ≤12 IU/L within one year prior to study initiation.
  7. Normal or corrected thyroid function within one year of study initiation.
  8. Normal prolactin level within one year of study initiation.
  9. In general, good health as assessed by PI, not taking any medications which could interfere with the study (e.g., FSH,).
  10. Ability to have inseminations following hCG administration.
  11. If applicable, the study participant will inform their partner of trial participation.
  12. Male partner with total motile sperm in the ejaculate of at least 5 million sperm/ml, within one year of study initiation.
  13. Participant agreement to abstain from use of green tea products in any form during course of study participation in trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Participants with only intracavity uterine fibroid (FIGO Type 0 or Type 1) when not in combination with other types of fibroids (FIGO type 2-6).
  2. Currently pregnant or successful pregnancies within 6 months of initiating participation.
  3. Clinical intrauterine miscarriages prior to initiating participation: participants must wait 3 months. No exclusion for biochemical pregnancies.
  4. Subjects using Green Tea/EGCG within 2 weeks prior to study enrollment. Matcha (Japanese green tea), maca powder, green tea beverages and all other forms of green tea require a 2-week wash-out. Patients with a detectable EGCG level at the screening visit will be excluded.
  5. Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding.
  6. Suspicious ovarian mass.
  7. Participants on oral contraceptives, depo-progestins, or hormonal implants (including Implanon). A two-month washout period will be required prior to screening for participants on these agents. Longer washouts may be necessary for certain depot contraceptive forms or implants, especially when the implants are still in place. A one-month washout will be required for participants on oral cyclic progestins.
  8. Known 21-hydroxylase deficiency or other enzyme defects causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
  9. Type I or Type II diabetes mellitus with HbA1c > 6.5%
  10. Known significant anemia (Hemoglobin <10 g/dL).
  11. History of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, or cerebrovascular event.
  12. Known heart disease (New York Heart Association Class II or higher).
  13. Known Liver disease (defined as AST or ALT>2 times normal, or total bilirubin >2.5 mg/dL).
  14. Known Renal disease (defined as BUN >30 mg/dL or serum creatinine > 1.4 mg/dL).
  15. History of, or suspected cervical carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma or breast carcinoma.
  16. History of alcohol abuse (defined as >14 drinks/week) or binge drinking of ≥ 6 drinks at one time).
  17. Known Cushing's disease.
  18. Known or suspected adrenal or ovarian androgen secreting tumors.
  19. Allergy or contraindication to the treatment medications: EGCG, clomiphene citrate (CC) or hCG.
  20. Couples with previous sterilization procedures (e.g., vasectomy, tubal ligation) which have been reversed.
  21. Participants with untreated poorly controlled hypertension defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mm Hg or a diastolic ≥ 100 mm Hg obtained on two measures obtained at least 60 minutes apart.
  22. Participants who have undergone a bariatric surgery procedure in the recent past (< 12 months) and are in a period of acute weight loss or have been advised against pregnancy by their bariatric surgeon.
  23. Stage 3 and 4 endometriosis and endometriomas > 3cm.
  24. Known polycystic ovarian syndrome as evidenced by anovulation or oligoovulation hirsutism and/or elevated testosterone levels, and ovarian morphology on ultrasound examination.
  25. Donated semen.
  26. Couples in which either partner is legally married to someone else.
  27. Medical conditions that are contraindications to pregnancy.

Sites / Locations

  • Yale School of Medicine Dept.of Ob/Gyn & Reproductive SciencesRecruiting
  • University of Illinois at Chicago College of MedicineRecruiting
  • University of Chicago, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyRecruiting
  • Johns Hopkins, Division of Reproductive Science and Women's Health ResearchRecruiting

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm Type

Experimental

Placebo Comparator

Arm Label

Green tea extract containing 45% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

Placebo

Arm Description

Low caffeine green tea extract (1650mg in 6 capsules) taken orally on a daily basis (QD) along with Clomiphene citrate-intrauterine insemination (CC_IUI) cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved, participant will stop green tea if she becomes pregnant

Placebo (1650mg in 6 capsules) matched (smell, taste, color, texture) capsules taken orally on a daily basis (QD) along with Clomiphene citrate-intrauterine insemination (CC_IUI) cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved, participant will stop placebo if she becomes pregnant

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Cumulative live birth rate.
The number of women achieving live birth.

Secondary Outcome Measures

The conception rate
The number of women achieving conception
The miscarriage rate
The number of women who have a miscarriage after conception.
The change of fibroid volume
The absolute change in fibroid volume (cm^3) from baseline to completion of treatment.
The change of fibroid symptom severity score
The absolute change in fibroid symptom severity summary scores from baseline to completion of treatment. It consists of an 8-item symptom severity scale. All items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from "not at all" (1) to "a very great deal" (5). A high score means a worse outcome.
The change of health-related quality-of-life questionnaire score
The absolute change in health-related quality-of-life questionnaire summary scores from baseline to completion of treatment. It consists 29 Health-Related Quality of Life items comprising 6 domains: Concern, Activities, Energy/Mood, Control, Self-consciousness, and Sexual Function. All items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from "none of the time" (1) to "all of the time" (5). A higher score means a worse outcome.
Time to conception
The time from randomization to the first date of conception found

Full Information

First Posted
April 22, 2022
Last Updated
May 24, 2023
Sponsor
Yale University
Collaborators
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, Johns Hopkins University
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT05364008
Brief Title
FRIEND: Fibroids and Unexplained Infertility Treatment With Epigallocatechin Gallate; A Natural CompounD in Green Tea
Acronym
FRIEND
Official Title
Fibroids and Unexplained Infertility Treatment With Epigallocatechin Gallate; A Natural CompounD in Green Tea (FRIEND)
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
May 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Recruiting
Study Start Date
January 5, 2023 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
September 30, 2024 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
September 30, 2024 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Principal Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
Yale University
Collaborators
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, Johns Hopkins University

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
The objective of this study is to determine the effect of low caffeine green tea extract containing 45% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on fibroids and subsequent pregnancy and live births in women seeking fertility treatment. The population will consist of 200 women desirous of conceiving, ages ≥18 to ≤40 years (at time of consent), and known to have class 2-6 fibroids, according to the FIGO staging system.
Detailed Description
The objective of this study is to conduct a randomized double-blinded clinical trial to determine the effect of low caffeine green tea extract on fibroids and subsequent pregnancy in women seeking fertility treatment. The investigators hypothesize that EGCG in low caffeine green tea extract will reduce the fibroid size, improve the quality of endometrium, and increase the likelihood of pregnancy. To test this hypothesis, the investigators propose a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate live birth outcomes for women with unexplained infertility who have uterine fibroids. Participants will be randomized to either oral low caffeine green tea extract (1650mg/day) vs. placebo along ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate and timed intrauterine insemination for up to 4 cycles. Endpoints Primary Endpoint: - Our primary endpoint is cumulative live birth rate. Secondary Endpoints: The conception rate. The miscarriage rate. The change of fibroid volume, symptom severity score, and health-related quality-of-life score, from baseline to completion of treatment, and endometrial receptivity biomarkers. Time to pregnancy This will be a randomized, multi-center, prospective, and double-blind clinical trial of low caffeine green tea extract versus placebo. Two hundred (200) participants will be randomized via computer-generated randomization schedule to receive either: low caffeine green tea extract (1650mg in 6 capsules) taken orally on a daily basis along with Clomiphene citrate-intrauterine insemination (CC-IUI) cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved. Participant will stop green tea if she becomes pregnant. or matched (smell, taste, color, texture) placebo capsules taken orally on a daily basis along with CC-IUI cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved. Participant will stop placebo if she becomes pregnant. The randomization scheme will be on a 3:1 basis in favor of green tea extract, thus 150 participants will be assigned to the first arm (green tea extract) and 50 participants to the second arm (placebo). Clomiphene citrate will be taken for 5 days on Day 3 +/- 2 days of the participant's cycle.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Leiomyoma, Uterine
Keywords
Uterine Fibroids

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 3
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Model Description
Two-arm parallel assignment
Masking
ParticipantCare ProviderInvestigatorOutcomes Assessor
Masking Description
Double-blind masking.
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
200 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Green tea extract containing 45% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Low caffeine green tea extract (1650mg in 6 capsules) taken orally on a daily basis (QD) along with Clomiphene citrate-intrauterine insemination (CC_IUI) cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved, participant will stop green tea if she becomes pregnant
Arm Title
Placebo
Arm Type
Placebo Comparator
Arm Description
Placebo (1650mg in 6 capsules) matched (smell, taste, color, texture) capsules taken orally on a daily basis (QD) along with Clomiphene citrate-intrauterine insemination (CC_IUI) cycle, up to 4 cycles if no pregnancy is achieved, participant will stop placebo if she becomes pregnant
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Green Tea Extract
Other Intervention Name(s)
EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)
Intervention Description
Green tea extract 1650 mg/day (45% EGCG) along with ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate and timed intrauterine insemination for up to 4 cycles.
Intervention Type
Other
Intervention Name(s)
Placebo
Intervention Description
Placebo 1650 mg/day along with ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate and timed intrauterine insemination for up to 4 cycles.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Cumulative live birth rate.
Description
The number of women achieving live birth.
Time Frame
Up to 15 months
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
The conception rate
Description
The number of women achieving conception
Time Frame
Up to 6 months
Title
The miscarriage rate
Description
The number of women who have a miscarriage after conception.
Time Frame
up to 8 months
Title
The change of fibroid volume
Description
The absolute change in fibroid volume (cm^3) from baseline to completion of treatment.
Time Frame
Up to 6 months
Title
The change of fibroid symptom severity score
Description
The absolute change in fibroid symptom severity summary scores from baseline to completion of treatment. It consists of an 8-item symptom severity scale. All items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from "not at all" (1) to "a very great deal" (5). A high score means a worse outcome.
Time Frame
Up to 6 months
Title
The change of health-related quality-of-life questionnaire score
Description
The absolute change in health-related quality-of-life questionnaire summary scores from baseline to completion of treatment. It consists 29 Health-Related Quality of Life items comprising 6 domains: Concern, Activities, Energy/Mood, Control, Self-consciousness, and Sexual Function. All items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from "none of the time" (1) to "all of the time" (5). A higher score means a worse outcome.
Time Frame
Up to 6 months
Title
Time to conception
Description
The time from randomization to the first date of conception found
Time Frame
Up to 6 months

10. Eligibility

Sex
Female
Gender Based
Yes
Gender Eligibility Description
Women of reproductive age
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
40 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Intramural fibroids and/or subserosal fibroids that meet the criteria for FIGO types 2-6; at least one fibroid with an average diameter of at least 1 cm in three dimensions. Participants with multiple fibroids including FIGO type 0 and type 1 will be allowed only in combination with additional fibroids type 2-6. Women ≥18 to ≤40 years of age, with six months or more infertility history, desirous of conceiving, regularly ovulating (defined as 9 or more menses per year), at initiation of participation. Women < 35 years of age must have at least 12 months of infertility history. Baseline AMH ≥ 0.7 ng/ml. At least one open fallopian tube confirmed by hysterosalpingography (HSG), sonohysterography, or laparoscopy/hysteroscopy in the last three years preceding enrollment into the study. An uncomplicated intrauterine non-IVF pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery and postpartum course resulting in live birth within the last three years will also serve as sufficient evidence of a patent tube and normal uterine cavity as long as the participant did not have, during the pregnancy or subsequently, risk factors for Asherman's syndrome or tubal disease or other disorder leading to an increased suspicion for intrauterine abnormality or tubal occlusion. Evidence of ovarian function/reserve as assessed by day 3 (+/-2 days) FSH ≤12 IU/L within one year prior to study initiation. In general, good health as assessed by PI, not taking any medications which could interfere with the study. Ability to have inseminations following hCG administration. If applicable, the study participant will inform their partner of trial participation. Male partner with total motile sperm in the ejaculate of at least 5 million sperm/ml, within one year of study initiation. Participant agreement to abstain from use of green tea products in any form during course of study participation in trial. Exclusion Criteria: Participants with only intracavity uterine fibroid (FIGO Type 0 or Type 1) when not in combination with other types of fibroids (FIGO type 2-6). Currently pregnant. Clinical intrauterine miscarriages prior to initiating participation: participants must wait 3 months. No exclusion for biochemical pregnancies. Subjects using Green Tea/EGCG within 2 weeks prior to study enrollment. Matcha (Japanese green tea), maca powder, green tea beverages and all other forms of green tea require a 2-week wash-out. Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding. Suspicious ovarian mass. Participants on depo-progestins, or hormonal implants (including Implanon). A two-month washout period will be required prior to screening for participants on these agents. Longer washouts may be necessary for certain depot contraceptive forms or implants, especially when the implants are still in place. Known 21-hydroxylase deficiency or other enzyme defects causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1c > 8.0% Known significant anemia (Hemoglobin <8 g/dL). History of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, or cerebrovascular event. Known heart disease (New York Heart Association Class II or higher). Known Liver disease (defined as AST or ALT>2 times normal, or total bilirubin >2.5 mg/dL). Known Renal disease (defined as BUN >30 mg/dL or serum creatinine > 1.4 mg/dL). History of, or suspected cervical carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma or breast carcinoma. History of alcohol abuse (defined as >14 drinks/week) or binge drinking of ≥ 6 drinks at one time). Known Cushing's disease. Known or suspected adrenal or ovarian androgen secreting tumors. Allergy or contraindication to the treatment medications: EGCG, clomiphene citrate (CC) or hCG. Couples with previous sterilization procedures (e.g., vasectomy, tubal ligation) which have been reversed. Participants with untreated poorly controlled hypertension defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mm Hg or a diastolic ≥ 100 mm Hg obtained on two measures obtained at least 60 minutes apart. Participants who have undergone a bariatric surgery procedure in the recent past (< 12 months) and are in a period of acute weight loss or have been advised against pregnancy by their bariatric surgeon. Stage 3 and 4 endometriosis and endometriomas > 3cm (as per PI discretion) . Known polycystic ovarian syndrome as evidenced by anovulation or oligoovulation hirsutism and/or elevated testosterone levels, and ovarian morphology on ultrasound examination. Medical conditions that are contraindications to pregnancy.
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, PhD
Phone
773-702-5954
Email
aalhendy@BSD.Uchicago.edu
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Heping Zhang, PhD
Phone
203-785-5185
Email
heping.zhang@yale.edu
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
David Weinberg, PhD
Organizational Affiliation
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Official's Role
Study Chair
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Yale School of Medicine Dept.of Ob/Gyn & Reproductive Sciences
City
New Haven
State/Province
Connecticut
ZIP/Postal Code
06520
Country
United States
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Lisa Schepisi
Phone
203-785-4933
Email
lisa.schepisi@yale.edu
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Hugh Taylor, MD
Facility Name
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
City
Chicago
State/Province
Illinois
ZIP/Postal Code
60612
Country
United States
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Ana-Leonor Jay
Email
analeono@uic.edu
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Frank Gonzalez, MD
Facility Name
University of Chicago, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
City
Chicago
State/Province
Illinois
ZIP/Postal Code
60637
Country
United States
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Hiba Siblini
Phone
773-702-5954
Email
hsiblini@bsd.uchicago.edu
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, PHD
Facility Name
Johns Hopkins, Division of Reproductive Science and Women's Health Research
City
Baltimore
State/Province
Maryland
ZIP/Postal Code
21205
Country
United States
Individual Site Status
Recruiting
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Laura Courtright
Phone
410-955-6771
Email
lcourtr1@jhmi.edu
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
James H Segars, MD

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
Yes
IPD Sharing Plan Description
Once results are published study data will be uploaded to NICHD DASH (Data and Specimen Hub).
IPD Sharing Time Frame
data to become available in 2026
IPD Sharing Access Criteria
Not available at this time
Links:
URL
https://ysph.yale.edu/c2s2/confirm/
Description
Yale School of Public Health and NCHID conFIRM Consortia is to improve the care of women with disorders affecting the reproductive system

Learn more about this trial

FRIEND: Fibroids and Unexplained Infertility Treatment With Epigallocatechin Gallate; A Natural CompounD in Green Tea

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