Optimizing treatment for advanced esophageal cancer

Optimizing Neoadjuvant Treatment Regimens for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Phase II Clinical Study

PHASE2; PHASE3 · Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT06907602

This study is testing a new treatment plan that combines chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy to see if it can help people with advanced esophageal cancer feel better and improve their chances of recovery.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2; PHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeking Union Medical College Hospital (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06907602 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to enhance neoadjuvant treatment regimens for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by evaluating the efficacy and safety of a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab), and radiotherapy. Building on previous findings that showed a significant pathological complete response rate, the study will explore the optimal number of immunotherapy cycles to maximize patient outcomes. Participants will undergo thorough evaluations to confirm their eligibility based on specific clinical criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with confirmed locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and no distant metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage esophageal cancer or those with distant metastasis are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment outcomes and survival rates for patients with advanced esophageal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar neoadjuvant treatment approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* male or female
* Age ≥ 18 years old
* Pathological confirmation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
* Endoscopic ultrasound, enhanced CT scan of the neck, chest, and abdomen, and esophageal magnetic resonance imaging evaluate as T3 or resectable T4 PET/CT、 Cervical, thoracic, and abdominal enhanced CT evaluation of N0 or N+
* No clear distant metastasis (M0) and only cervical or supraclavicular lymph node metastasis (M1a)
* Tumor longitudinal diameter ≤ 10cm
* The tumor did not involve the dentate line
* ECOG score 0 or 1
* No hematological diseases, no liver or kidney dysfunction
* Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 × 109/L
* Platelets ≥ 100 × 109/L
* Hemoglobin ≥ 11g/L
* ALT ≤ 2 times the upper limit of normal value
* TBil ≤ 1.5 times the upper limit of normal value
* Creatinine clearance rate (Cockroft) ≥ 50ml/min
* Obtain informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* T staging evaluation is T1/T2
* PET/CT and other evaluations show distant metastasis (M1)
* Planned pregnancy or patients during pregnancy or lactation
* History of previous chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy
* Previous severe coronary heart disease and heart failure (NYHA grade III/IV)
* Previous pulmonary interstitial fibrosis or severe pulmonary dysfunction that cannot tolerate surgery
* Previous autoimmune disease requiring systemic treatment within 2 years
* Previous immunodeficiency diseases or the need for systemic steroid replacement therapy
* Previous motor or sensory neurotoxic diseases
* Previous mental illness
* Potential diseases that may affect patients' ability to receive planned treatment, such as drug allergies
* Acute infectious diseases requiring systemic treatment
* Previous HIV, HBV, or HCV infections
* Previously received stem cell or solid organ transplantation

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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: Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, radiotherapy

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.