Comparing two types of anesthesia for esophageal cancer surgery

Total IntraVenous AnesthesIa and ReCurrence-free Survival AfTer EsOphageal CanceR SurgerY

Phase 3 Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT04513808

This study is testing whether a new type of anesthesia can help people with esophageal cancer have better recovery and fewer chances of their cancer coming back after surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1614 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
Trial IDNCT04513808 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia versus sevoflurane-based balanced general anesthesia in patients undergoing potentially curative surgery for esophageal cancer. The primary focus is on measuring recurrence-free survival rates post-surgery, with secondary goals including the speed of discharge from the ICU and hospital, as well as the quality of recovery assessed by the QoR-15 scale on postoperative day 2. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two anesthesia methods to evaluate these outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 with primary esophageal cancer at stages 1-3 scheduled for curative surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with previous esophageal cancer surgeries, severe systemic diseases, or contraindications to the anesthesia types will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved survival rates and recovery experiences for patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar anesthesia approaches, suggesting potential benefits in surgical outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary esophageal cancer without known extension beyond the esophagus. (i.e. believed to be Tumor Stage 1-3).
* Scheduled for potentially curative esophageal cancer surgery.
* Written informed consent, including willingness to be randomized to intravenous versus volatile anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous surgery for esophageal cancer (except diagnostic biopsies) Age \<18 or \>85 years old.
* ASA Physical Status ≥4.
* Any contraindication to propofol or sevoflurane.
* Other cancer not believed by the attending surgeon to be in long-term remission.
* Systemic disease believed by the attending surgeon to present ≥25% two- year mortality.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai

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 Cancer
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.