Immunotherapy combo shows promise for inoperable esophageal cancer

NCT ID NCT03777813

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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

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.

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