Blocking specific molecules to prevent diaphragm injury in patients on ventilators

A Clinical Trial of JAK Inhibition to Prevent Ventilator-induced Diaphragm Dysfunction

PHASE2 · Stanford University · NCT03681275

This study is testing if a medication called tofacitinib can help prevent diaphragm problems in patients on ventilators after surgery for esophagus issues.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorStanford University (other)
Drugs / interventionsprednisone
Locations1 site (Stanford, California)
Trial IDNCT03681275 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tofacitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in preventing ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) in patients undergoing esophagectomy. By targeting the molecular mechanisms associated with diaphragm injury, the researchers hope to demonstrate that this intervention can mitigate the development of VIDD in humans, similar to previous animal studies. The study will compare the effects of tofacitinib against a placebo to assess its efficacy in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for esophagectomy who do not have significant pulmonary dysfunction or neuromuscular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with severe pulmonary dysfunction, neuromuscular diseases, or those on immunosuppressant medications are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce diaphragm injury in patients on mechanical ventilation, improving their recovery and overall outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in animal models regarding the prevention of VIDD through similar molecular interventions, but this approach in humans is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing esophagectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with more than mild pulmonary dysfunction
* Patients with any neuromuscular disease that might compromise diaphragm function
* Patients with abnormal liver or kidney function
* Patients taking any immunosuppressant medication (including prednisone) or antifungal medications
* History of tuberculosis
* Weight loss of \>5% of body weight over previous 6 months
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Stanford, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Diaphragm Injury, Ventilator-induced Diaphragm Dysfunction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.