New proton beam combo aims to shrink esophageal tumors before surgery
NCT ID NCT02213497
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase trial tests a new approach for people with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Before surgery, patients receive proton beam radiotherapy along with two chemotherapy drugs (carboplatin and paclitaxel). The main goal is to find the safest dose and see how well patients tolerate the combination. Only 30 participants are enrolled, so the focus is on safety, not yet on cure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Proton beam radiotherapy combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a safer and more effective way to shrink esophageal tumors before surgery, potentially improving outcomes.
What could go wrong
This is an early phase 1 trial with only 30 participants, focused on safety and dosing. It is too small to prove effectiveness, and side effects from the combined treatment may be significant.
Disclaimer
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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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Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States