New combo therapy shows promise for tough esophageal cancer
NCT ID NCT02642809
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.
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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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States