MRD-guided therapy for esophageal cancer after radiotherapy

A Phase II Clinical Trial of Consolidation Therapy Guided by MRD Testing After Radical Radiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer

Phase 2 Interventional Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences · NCT06498752

This study is testing if a special test can help doctors determine the best follow-up care for patients with squamous esophageal cancer after radiation treatment, by seeing if those with no remaining cancer cells do well with regular check-ups and if those with remaining cancer cells can live longer with extra treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06498752 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to validate the effectiveness of a high-sensitivity minimal residual disease (MRD) assay in patients with squamous esophageal cancer who have completed radical radiotherapy. It will assess whether MRD-negative patients can maintain a good prognosis with regular follow-up and whether MRD-positive patients can improve their survival through consolidation therapy using PD-1 monotherapy. The study seeks to refine treatment strategies by identifying which patients may benefit from additional therapy based on their MRD status.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus who have completed radical radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with other active cancers or significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized treatment strategies that improve survival rates for patients with esophageal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, such as CheckMate 577, have shown that consolidation therapy can improve survival in similar patient populations, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥18 years, any gender
2. Histologically or cytologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of esophageal cancer. The initial clinical stage is I-VIa (2018 AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th Edition) , primary unresectable oesophageal cancer
3. ECOG performance status \<= 1.
4. No significant abnormality in laboratory routine indicators such as blood routine and liver and kidney function
5. Completed radical radiotherapy (dose 50-60Gy);
6. Received a systemic regimen of platinum in combination with paclitaxel or a 5-FU-based two-drug regimen with or without PD-1 monotherapy in accordance with the CSCO guidelines, and S-1 monotherapy in elderly patients;
7. Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with other cancer history except hypopharyngeal carcinoma in situ, non-malignant skin cancer and cervical carcinoma in situ.
2. Active infection currently exists, serious illness such as myocardial infarction in the 6 months prior to enrolment
3. History of autoimmune diseases
4. Participate in other clinical trials at present or within 4 weeks before enrollment;
5. Received systemic therapy (chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy) for more than 4 cycles.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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 CancerEsophageal squamous cell carcinomaImmune checkpoint inhibitorimmunotherapychemotherapyradiotherapyMinimal residual disease, MRD
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.