Immunotherapy combo shows promise for inoperable esophageal cancer

NCT ID NCT03777813

Completed Disease control Sponsor: UNICANCER Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This Phase 2 trial tested whether adding the immunotherapy drug durvalumab to standard chemoradiation (FOLFOX and radiation) helps patients with unresectable esophageal cancer. 112 patients were randomly assigned to receive either chemoradiation alone or chemoradiation plus durvalumab, followed by maintenance durvalumab. The study measured progression-free survival, overall survival, side effects, and quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Durvalumab (an immunotherapy drug) plus chemotherapy (FOLFOX) and radiation therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could improve control of unresectable esophageal cancer and extend survival without the need for surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial with only 112 participants, so results are preliminary. The added immunotherapy may increase side effects without clear benefit.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

adenocarcinoma cancer esophageal cancer Esophageal Neoplasms squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ESOPHAGUS CANCER UNRESECTABLE MALIGNANT NEOPLASM

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU Rangueil Larrey

Toulouse, France
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire

Poitiers, France
Centre Oscar Lambret, CLCC UNICANCER

Lille, France
Centre Paul Strauss, CLCC UNICANCER

Strasbourg, France
Hôpital Haut-Lévêque

Pessac, 33604, France
Hôpital Saint Louis, APHP

Paris, 75010, France
Iuct, Clcc Unicancer

Toulouse, 31059, France

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