Clinical trial Recruiting at 4 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Testing blood samples for esophageal cancer treatment

Official title: Personalized Multimodal Treatment for Resectable Esophageal Cancer by Detecting Minimal Residual Disease Using Circulating Tumor DNA: a Multicentric Prospective Study

Run by Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT05704530 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if blood tests can help track the progress of esophageal cancer treatment in patients who have had surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment248 (estimated)
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy
Locations4 sites (Antwerp and 3 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 29, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2028
Study endsDecember 31, 2029
Registry record updatedJune 1, 2026
Trial IDNCT05704530 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a new diagnosis of resectable esophageal cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma.

Probably not a fit

Patients with metastatic disease or other active malignancies, as well as those who have previously undergone chemoradiation, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of liquid biopsies in monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with resectable esophageal cancer. It involves both retrospective and prospective collection of blood samples at various stages of treatment, including before and after surgery, and during adjuvant therapies. Patients will be grouped based on their treatment scenarios, allowing for tailored analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) throughout their treatment journey. The study seeks to enhance understanding of disease progression and treatment response through non-invasive testing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved monitoring and management of esophageal cancer, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using liquid biopsies for cancer monitoring, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Key inclusion criteria are:

1. Male or female, age \> 18 years
2. New diagnosis of esophageal cancer, pathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) or adenocarcinoma (EAC)
3. Clinically staged - cT1-4 N0-2 M0 (local or locally advanced, resectable)
4. Eligible for multidisciplinary treatment as assessed by MDT
5. Able to provide informed consent (ICF) according to Good Clinical Practice and national/European regulations

Key exclusion criteria are:

1. (Oligo)metastatic disease
2. Histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis other than squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma (eg. neuroendocrine carcinoma, lymphoma…)
3. Other active malignancies
4. Previous exposure to chemoradiation (prior to MDT)
5. Treatment plan after MDT: neoadjuvant chemotherapy with no radiation or chemoradiation with definitive intent (surgery is not planned)

Where it's running

  • Uza
    Antwerp, Belgium
    Recruiting
  • UZ Gent
    Ghent, Belgium
    Recruiting
  • UZLeuven
    Leuven, Belgium
    Recruiting
  • AZ Delta
    Roeselare, Belgium
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.