Lymphocyte-sparing radiotherapy for esophageal cancer

Lymphocyte-sparing Thoracic Radiotherapy vs Conventional Radiotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Neoadjuvant Therapy: an Open Label, Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Ruijin Hospital · NCT06596954

This study is testing a new type of radiation therapy for people with advanced esophageal cancer to see if it can protect their immune cells and improve their chances of survival.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment212 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorRuijin Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai, China)
Trial IDNCT06596954 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates a novel approach to treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by utilizing lymphocyte-sparing radiotherapy, which aims to minimize the depletion of immune cells during treatment. The research focuses on patients with locally advanced ESCC who are undergoing neoadjuvant treatment. By comparing the effects of lymphocyte-sparing radiotherapy to conventional radiotherapy, the study seeks to provide evidence on the potential benefits of preserving lymphocyte levels for improved patient outcomes. The goal is to enhance survival rates and reduce the risk of recurrence or metastasis in affected patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 80 with pathologically confirmed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and a KPS score greater than 80.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic esophageal cancer or severe non-cancerous medical comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved survival rates and reduced recurrence in patients with esophageal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While there is growing interest in lymphocyte-sparing approaches, this specific methodology has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients are able to understand and are willing to participate in the trial, and a signed consent form can be obtained;
2. Pathologically confirmed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma;
3. locally advanced ESCC (cT3-4 or N+);
4. the age of patients should be more than 18 years, and less than 80 years;
5. aged between 18 and 80 years;
6. KPS score of patients should be more than 80

Exclusion Criteria:

1. diagnosis of metastatic esophageal cancer;
2. Patient refuses to receive systemic drug treatment;
3. clinical diagnosis of pleural metastasis or malignant pleural effusion;
4. Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
5. Severe non-cancerous medical comorbidities that affect the implementation of radiotherapy.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, China

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 Canceresophageal cancerneoadjuvant treatmentlymphocyte-sparing radiotherapyprognosis
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.