Analyzing brain metastases in esophageal cancer patients after surgery

Risk Factors and Treatment Options for Metachronic Brain Metastases After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: a Multicentric Retrospective Cohort Study (METABREC)

Observational Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT04654975

This study looks at how often brain metastases happen in esophageal cancer patients after surgery and what factors might increase that risk to help improve treatment and outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment10000 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations8 sites (Houston, Texas and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04654975 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to retrospectively analyze the incidence and potential risk factors associated with brain metastases in patients who have undergone esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. It focuses on patients treated between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2019, including those who received various neoadjuvant treatments. The study seeks to understand the impact of these metastases on survival and whether the introduction of neoadjuvant therapies has influenced their occurrence. By identifying risk factors, the research hopes to improve patient outcomes and treatment strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients who have undergone esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, specifically those with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with other histological types of esophageal cancer or those who underwent palliative esophagectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of brain metastases in esophageal cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While the incidence of brain metastases in esophageal cancer patients has been noted, this specific analysis of risk factors and incidence post-esophagectomy is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients receiving surgical treatment for esophageal cancer between 1 januari 2000 and 31 december 2019
* All types of neoadjuvant treatment followed by surgery, primary surgery or salvage surgery.
* Adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma histology

Exclusion Criteria:

* other histology type than adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
* Hypopharyngeal carcinoma extending to the esophagus (requiring total laryngo-pharyngo-esophagectomy)
* Early esophageal carcinoma (cT IS-1a N0 M0)
* palliative esophagectomy

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Esophageal NeoplasmsEsophagectomyBrain Metastases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.