New combo therapy targets Hard-to-Treat esophageal cancer

NCT ID NCT04984733

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested a two-step treatment for advanced esophageal cancer that has a specific genetic marker (MGMT deficiency) and has stopped responding to standard chemotherapy. First, patients took a daily oral chemotherapy drug (temozolomide) for three months. Then, they added an immunotherapy drug (nivolumab) either alone or with continued temozolomide. The study enrolled 13 adults and aimed to see if the combination could shrink tumors or control the disease.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

temozolomide and nivolumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a new treatment option for a specific type of advanced esophageal cancer that has stopped responding to standard chemotherapy.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 13 participants, so results may not apply to a broader population. The combination may cause side effects or fail to shrink tumors.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

esophageal cancer Esophageal Neoplasms gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom