Testing blood samples for esophageal cancer treatment

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

Not applicable Interventional Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT05704530

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

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment248 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy
Locations4 sites (Antwerp and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05704530 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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.

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Antwerp and 3 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 Esophageal Cancer
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.