Freezing tumors to boost cancer treatment: early trial underway
NCT ID NCT04248582
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This early-phase trial tests a freezing treatment called cryotherapy, given before and during standard chemoradiation, for people with locally advanced esophageal cancer. The main goal is to find the safest number of cryotherapy sessions. Researchers will also check if the freezing stimulates the immune system to fight the tumor better. Only 14 adults are taking part, so results are very preliminary.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen spray)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a way to improve the effectiveness of standard chemoradiation for esophageal cancer by boosting the immune response.
What could go wrong
This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 14 participants, focused on safety and dosing. It is not designed to prove the treatment works, and the cryotherapy may cause side effects like pain or damage to the esophagus.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center
Richmond, Virginia, 23249, United States