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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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