New combo therapy targets Hard-to-Treat esophageal cancer

NCT ID NCT04984733

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Southampton Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

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.

ADENOCARCINOMA - GEJ CANCER OF ESOPHAGUS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom

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