Nutritional support for patients with esophageal cancer during treatment

Nutritional Support in Patient Undergoing Induction Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

NA · London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT05314946

This study is testing whether using feeding tubes to provide nutrition helps people with esophageal cancer get through their chemotherapy and radiation treatment more safely and effectively.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment26 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05314946 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of nutritional support through feeding tubes for patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer who are undergoing induction therapy. The study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of placing a feeding tube to ensure adequate calorie intake during chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which are often necessary before surgical resection. The trial will compare outcomes between patients receiving nutritional support via feeding tubes and those who do not have feeding tubes placed, focusing on complications and treatment delays. Given the high incidence of malnutrition in esophageal cancer patients, this approach seeks to improve overall treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients with biopsy-proven esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer who are eligible for induction therapy and subsequent surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic disease, early-stage disease requiring immediate surgery, or those who refuse a feeding tube may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance nutritional intake and reduce complications during treatment for esophageal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While nutritional support in cancer care has been explored, the specific approach of using feeding tubes during induction therapy for esophageal cancer is less common and may provide novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patient
* Non-cervical biopsy-proven esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (Siewert I or II) cancer
* Patient eligible for induction therapy then esophagectomy (stage Ib to III)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Impossibility to pass an endoscope beyond the tumour
* metastatic disease
* early-stage disease with either upfront esophagectomy or endoscopic resection planned
* patient refusal of the feeding tube
* inability to swallow their pill
* inability to tolerate a full fluid diet

Where this trial is running

London, Ontario

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Esophageal Cancer, Nutrition Aspect of Cancer, cancer, esophagus, enteral nutrition, feeding tube, adverse events, randomized controlled trial

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.