Why does esophageal cancer come back after treatment? researchers search medical records for clues
NCT ID NCT07822906
First seen Sep 16, 2026 · Last updated Sep 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers are reviewing medical records of 100 people with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery to remove the cancer. The study examines when and where cancer returns and which patient traits, treatment details, scan results, and tissue findings are linked to its return. All care was routine, and the study does not assign treatment or require extra tests or visits.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If researchers identify which factors predict recurrence, doctors could tailor monitoring and follow-up more precisely for people treated with immunotherapy and chemotherapy before esophageal cancer surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small observational review of past records, so it can show associations but cannot prove cause and effect. Findings from one hospital group may not apply to other patients or treatment settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
The source population comprises adults who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma at the study institution between August 1, 2020, and October 31, 2025. Patients will be identified through institutional medical records, imaging archives, surgical and pathology registries, and existing follow-up records. All patients within this surgical window who received neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and meet the eligibility criteria will be included. No random sampling will be performed. Documented postoperative outcomes will be reviewed through December 1, 2025.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older at the time of surgery. Histologically confirmed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Receipt of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy, defined as an immune checkpoint inhibitor combined with chemotherapy, followed by curative esophagectomy between August 1, 2020, and October 31, 2025. Microscopically negative surgical margins (R0 resection), postoperative M0 status confirmed on review using the American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition staging system, and verifiable postoperative ypT and ypN categories. Availability of FDG PET/CT performed after completion of neoadjuvant treatment and before surgery, together with a verifiable surgery date, recurrence status, and valid follow-up dates. Availability of pretreatment PET/CT is not required. Exclusion Criteria: * Histology other than esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, R1 or R2 resection. Death within 30 days after surgery or absence of any verifiable postoperative outcome follow-up. Missing essential pathological staging information, or survival data that prevent confirmation of eligibility or determination of the primary outcome despite review of source records. Missing nonessential variables alone will not result in exclusion.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Peking University Cancer Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100142, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Which Pre-Surgery combo extends life in esophageal cancer? a virtual trial seeks answers
- Can an AI eye guide surgeons to safer, faster cancer removal?
- Can a triple punch of immunotherapy and chemoradiation wipe out esophageal tumors before surgery?
- Can early tumor response guide smarter cancer treatment?
- Could a smart combo of drugs and radiation help some esophageal cancer patients skip surgery?
- Could more surgery and radiation after immunotherapy keep esophageal cancer at bay?