New combo therapy aims to wipe out esophageal cancer before surgery

NCT ID NCT04028167

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing a two-step treatment for esophageal cancer. First, patients receive a chemotherapy combination called FLOT, followed by chemoradiation (chemo plus radiation). After that, they have surgery to remove the tumor. The goal is to see if this approach leads to a complete disappearance of cancer in the removed tissue. The study involves 40 adults with resectable cancer of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

FLOT chemotherapy (docetaxel, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, 5-FU) followed by chemoradiation with carboplatin and paclitaxel

What this could lead to

If successful, this treatment sequence could increase the number of patients whose cancer disappears completely before surgery, potentially improving long-term survival.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Chemotherapy and radiation have significant side effects, and the regimen may not improve outcomes over standard care.

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 Of Esophagus esophageal adenocarcinoma gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • UCHealth Northern Colorado - Greeley Hospital

    Greeley, Colorado, 80634, United States

  • UCHealth Northern Colorado - Harmony Campus

    Fort Collins, Colorado, 80528, United States

  • UCHealth Northern Colorado - Poudre Valley Hospital

    Fort Collins, Colorado, 80524, United States

  • UCHealth Northern Colorado Medical Center of the Rockies

    Loveland, Colorado, 80538, United States

  • UCHealth Southern Colorado - Memorial Hospital Central

    Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80909, United States

  • UCHealth Southern Colorado - Memorial Hospital North

    Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80920, United States

  • University of Colorado Hospital

    Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States