Comparing robot-assisted and conventional minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer

Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive Thoraco-laparoscopic Esophagectomy Versus Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy for Resectable Esophageal Cancer, a Randomized Controlled Trial (ROBOT-2 Trial).

Not applicable Interventional University Medical Center Mainz · NCT04306458

This study is testing whether robot-assisted surgery is better than traditional minimally invasive surgery for patients with esophageal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment218 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Mainz Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Mainz)
Trial IDNCT04306458 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) compared to conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for patients with resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is a multicenter randomized controlled trial that aims to assess lymph node dissection, efficacy, risks, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of both surgical approaches. Patients aged 18 to 90 with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma will be randomly assigned to receive either RAMIE or MIE. The study is conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and aims to improve surgical outcomes for esophageal cancer patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 90 with histologically proven, surgically resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma or those who have had prior thoracic surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that both RAMIE and MIE are superior to open surgery, but this is the first randomized comparison between the two techniques.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the intrathoracic esophagus and gastroesophageal junction (including Siewert I and II)
* Surgically resectable (T1-4a, N0-3, M0)
* Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 90 years
* European Clinical Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0,1 or 2
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
* Carcinoma of the cervical esophagus
* Carcinoma of the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) with the main part of the tumor in the gastric cardia (Siewert type III)
* Prior thoracic surgery at the right hemithorax or thoracic trauma

Where this trial is running

Mainz

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 Adenocarcinomaminimally invasive esophagectomyrobot assisted minimally invasive esophagectomyMIERAMIElymph node dissectionlymphadenectomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.