Chemoradiotherapy for patients with unresectable esophageal cancer

A Phase I/II Study of Chemoradiotherapy Using Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel and Cisplatin in Unresectable Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinomas Based on Nutritional Risk Screening Score (NRS2002)

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences · NCT04278287

This study is testing a new combination of chemotherapy and radiation to see if it helps people with advanced esophageal cancer while also focusing on their nutrition to improve their treatment experience.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment105 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorCancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations5 sites (Anyang, Henan and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04278287 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study evaluates the one-year local tumor control rate of a chemoradiotherapy regimen combining albumin-bound paclitaxel and cisplatin in patients with unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Participants are selected based on the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS2002) tool, which assesses their nutritional risk factors. The study aims to improve treatment response and quality of life by addressing nutritional needs alongside cancer treatment. Patients will receive the chemoradiotherapy regimen and be monitored for outcomes over the course of the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and a nutritional risk score of less than 3.

Not a fit: Patients with resectable tumors or those with severe nutritional risk (NRS2002 score of 3 or higher) may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance local tumor control and improve the quality of life for patients with unresectable esophageal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar chemoradiotherapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18\~75 years
* Pathologically or cytologically proven unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinomas in patients staged as T3N1M0-1b and T4N0-1M0-1b(AJCC 6th TNM staging,M1b limited to clavicular or celiac lymph node metastasis)
* Primary treatment performed in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
* ECOG PS score: 0\~1
* NRS2002 score \<3
* Estimated survival time ≥3 months
* Normal organ and marrow function as defined below:

Hemoglobin: greater than or equal to 100g/L ;Leukocytes: greater than or equal to 4,000 G/L; Neutrophil: greater than or equal to 2,000 G/L; Platelets: greater than or equal to 100,000/mm3 ; Creatinine: less than or equal to 1.5 times the upper limit or CCR greater than or equal to 60 ml/min; AST/ALT: less than or equal to 2.5 times the upper limit; Total bilirubin: less than or equal to 1.5 times the upper limit; INR: less than or equal to 1.5 times the upper limit; APTT: less than or equal to 1.5 times the upper limit; PT: less than or equal to 1.5 times the upper limit

* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* With any distant metastasis out of regional lymphatic drainage or in liver, lung, bone, CNS, etc
* Patients with other cancer history in 5 years except cervical carcinoma in situ and non-malignant melanoma skin cancer
* Existing active infection such as active tuberculosis and hepatitis
* History of myocardial infarction within the past 6 months or history of ventricular arrhythmia
* Uncontrolled illness including, but not limited to, active infection, symptomatic heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness
* History of allergic reactions attributed to paclitaxel, albumin or cisplatin
* Participation in other clinical trials currently or within 4 weeks of selection
* Pregnant or lactating females

Where this trial is running

Anyang, Henan and 4 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 CancerChemoradiotherapyAlbumin-bound PaxlitaxelUnresectable Malignant Neoplasm
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.