Comparing two doses of radiotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer

A Phase III Study of Comparing 61.2 Gy Radiotherapy Dose Versus 50.4 Gy Radiotherapy Dose for Locally Advanced Esophageal Carcinoma

Phase 3 Interventional Fudan University · NCT03790553

This study is testing whether a higher dose of radiotherapy can help people with advanced esophageal cancer feel better compared to a standard dose.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment646 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorFudan University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations3 sites (Nanjing, Jiangsu and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03790553 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine the optimal radiotherapy dosage for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by comparing a higher dose of 61.2 Gy to a standard dose of 50.4 Gy. Participants will receive radiotherapy and will be monitored for treatment efficacy and safety. The study will include patients aged 18-75 with confirmed esophageal cancer who have not undergone prior treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment will be assessed using PET/CT imaging.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who have not received prior treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with severe organ dysfunction or those who have previously undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with different radiotherapy doses for esophageal cancer, but this specific comparison is less commonly tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Joined the study voluntarily and signed informed consent form;
* Age 18-75 years; both genders
* Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma confirmed by pathology.
* No radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other treatments prior to enrollment
* Locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (T1N1-3M0, T2-4NxM0, TxNxM1 (supraclavicular lymph node metastasis only) (AJCC 8th)
* Use of an effective contraceptive for adults to prevent pregnancy.
* No severely abnormal hematopoietic, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, or hepatic function. No immunodeficiency.
* WBC ≥ 3.5\*109/L, Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL, Neutrophils ≥ 1·5\*109/L, Platelet count ≥ 100\*109/L, ALAT and ASAT \< 2·5 \* ULN, TBIL \< 1·5 \* ULN, and Creatinine \< 1·5 \*ULN.
* ECOG 0-2.
* Life expectancy of more than 3 months.
* Agreement of PET/CT accessment at 25-28 radiotherapy fraction.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Total radiotherapy dose cannot reach 61.2Gy/34Fx in the condition of the nomal tissue dose complying to the standard criteria.
* Esophageal perforation, or hematemesis.
* History of radiotherapy or chemotherapy for esophageal cancer.
* History of surgery within 28 days before Day 1.
* History of prior malignancies (other than skin basal cell carcinoma or cervical carcinoma in situ with a disease-free survival of at least 3 years).
* Participation in other interventional clinical trials within 30 days.
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women or fertile patients who refused to use contraceptives.
* Drug addiction, alcoholism or AIDS.
* Uncontrolled seizures or psychiatric disorders.
* Any other condition which in the investigator's opinion would not make the patient a good candidate for the clinical trial.

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu and 2 other locations

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 Carcinomachemoradiotherapyesophageal cancerPET/CT
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.