Reducing side effects of radiation therapy for thoracic cancer

Reducing Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Side-Effects of Thoracic Irradiation

Phase 2 Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT05659576

This study is testing if a medication can help reduce the painful side effects of radiation therapy in people with thoracic cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment352 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations7 sites (Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05659576 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to prevent and alleviate symptoms of radiation esophagitis in patients undergoing thoracic irradiation. It employs a two-stage consent design to compare different methods of informing patients about the trial, alongside a randomized comparison of sucralfate versus a control treatment. Participants will be monitored for symptom experiences and weight loss during the treatment period. The study seeks to improve patient outcomes by addressing the gastrointestinal side effects associated with radiation therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing thoracic irradiation with a high risk of esophageal dose.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot take sucralfate or have a history of opioid use disorder may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the discomfort and complications associated with radiation esophagitis in patients receiving thoracic radiation.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in reducing radiation-induced side effects, but this specific approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients being treated with thoracic irradiation with high-risk esophageal dose as determined below:

Esophageal dose:

* V50 ≥ 15% (25-35 once daily fractions) or 40 twice-daily \[BID\] fractions)
* V40 ≥ 15% (15-24 once daily fractions or 30 twice-daily \[BID\] fractions)
* V30 ≥ 15% (10-14 once daily fractions)

  * Age 18 years of age or older.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known inability to take Sucralfate (tablet and/or suspension form), per physician discretion
* PEG tube
* Actively taking any opioid pain medications prior to radiation therapy
* History of an opioid use disorder

Where this trial is running

Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations

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 Radiation EsophagitisGastrointestinalSucralfateRadiation TherapyThoracic cancer22-307
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.