Combining immunonutrition with chemoradiotherapy for inoperable esophageal cancer

Anhui Provincial Hospita

Observational Anhui Provincial Hospital · NCT05833594

This study is testing whether a special nutritional formula can help people with inoperable esophageal cancer live longer and feel better when combined with chemoradiotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorAnhui Provincial Hospital Government
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Hefei)
Trial IDNCT05833594 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the feasibility and survival benefits of whole-course immunonutrition combined with chemoradiotherapy, with or without immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), for patients with inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving a specialized immunonutrition formula containing omega-3 fatty acids and glutamine, and the other receiving a standard nutritional formula. The study aims to assess safety, feasibility, and progression-free survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years. It targets patients who are treatment naive and have specific tumor characteristics as confirmed by radiological examination.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-85 with treatment naive, unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with resectable tumors or those with other types of esophageal cancer, such as adenocarcinoma, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of immunonutrition and chemoradiotherapy is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in enhancing treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-85 years old;
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-2;
* Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma;
* cT2-4aN0-3M0 (AJCC 8th) confirmed by radiological examination;
* initial unresectable at initial diagnosis confirmed by thoracic surgeons;
* Treatment naive;
* No contraindications for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy;
* Signature of inform consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* younger than 18 years old or older than 85 years old;
* ECOG\>2;
* Esophageal adenocarcinoma, small-cell cancer and other pathological types;
* cT1anyNM0, cT4banyNM0, c anyTanyNM0 confirmed by radiological examination;
* Resectable at initial diagnosis confirmed by thoracic surgeons;
* Previous treatment of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other treatment;
* Contraindications for chemoradiotherapy;
* No signature of inform consent.

Where this trial is running

Hefei

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 Squamous Cell CarcinomaChemoradiotherapyImmunonutritionInoperable
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.