New combo therapy shows promise for tough esophageal cancer

NCT ID NCT02642809

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This early study tested a combination of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and internal radiation (brachytherapy) in 16 people with metastatic esophageal cancer. The goal was to see if the radiation could help the immune system attack the cancer more effectively. The main focus was on safety, and researchers also looked at tumor shrinkage and swallowing improvement.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and brachytherapy (internal radiation)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could lead to a new treatment option that combines radiation and immunotherapy to better control metastatic esophageal cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study with only 16 participants. The combination may cause severe side effects, and the results may not apply to all patients.

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.

carcinoma of esophagus esophageal cancer Esophageal Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CANCER OF THE ESOPHAGUS ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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