Can a condensed radiation blast plus chemo keep esophageal cancer at bay?
NCT ID NCT04046575
First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase I trial tests whether a shorter course of higher-dose radiation (hypofractionated IMRT) combined with the chemotherapy drugs carboplatin and paclitaxel can safely improve local tumor control in people with inoperable esophageal cancer. About half of patients currently see their cancer return at the original site after standard treatment. The study enrolls adults with biopsy-proven cancer of the thoracic esophagus or gastroesophageal junction who cannot have surgery. The main goal is to find the highest safe radiation dose, while also tracking how long patients live without local recurrence and overall survival.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- carboplatin and paclitaxel
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a more effective radiation and chemotherapy regimen that reduces local cancer recurrence in patients with inoperable esophageal cancer.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase safety study, so the regimen may prove too toxic or no more effective than standard treatment. 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.
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
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