How often esophageal cancer spreads to the left tracheobronchial (106TBL) lymph nodes
A Prospective Observational Study of Left Tracheobronchial Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Esophageal Cancer
See how often and which factors are linked to spread to the left tracheobronchial (106TBL) lymph nodes in people with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who are having curative esophagectomy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1852 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fudan University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality) |
| Trial ID | NCT07165210 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective observational cohort at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center will document the incidence of metastasis to left tracheobronchial (106TBL) lymph nodes and identify clinicopathologic risk factors in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing curative esophagectomy with lymph node dissection. Preoperative clinical staging (cT1-4a N0/+ M0) and surgical pathology will be used to determine 106TBL involvement, and perioperative outcomes and complications will be recorded. The work addresses limited sensitivity of current imaging for nodal spread and aims to clarify whether routine removal of 106TBL nodes is justified given potential airway and recurrent laryngeal nerve risks. Results will be compared with prior retrospective findings to inform the optimal scope of two-field lymph node dissection.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma staged cT1-4a N0/+ M0 who are medically fit for planned curative esophagectomy and have no history of other malignancy.
Not a fit: Patients with cervical (neck) esophageal cancer, metastatic disease, non-squamous histology, or who are unfit for surgery are unlikely to benefit from this observational protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help surgeons avoid unnecessary removal of 106TBL nodes and reduce airway- and nerve-related complications while maintaining cancer control.
How similar studies have performed: Prior retrospective data from the investigators reported a low (~2%) 106TBL metastasis rate and no survival benefit from extended three-field dissection, so this prospective validation builds on limited earlier evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma * clinical staging: cT1-4a N0/+ M0. * no history of other malignancy. Exclusion Criteria: * esophageal cancer in the neck * poor physical status to have esophagectomy.
Where this trial is running
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center — Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bin Li, MD
- Email: lb0256327@hotmail.com
- Phone: 086-021-64175590-82500
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.