Understanding how radiotherapy affects immune responses in esophageal cancer

The Study on the Mechanism of Radiotherapy-elicited Immune Response

Observational Fudan University · NCT06393140

This study is trying to see how radiotherapy affects the immune system and tumor shrinkage in patients with esophageal cancer to find out why some people respond better to treatment than others.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFudan University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
Trial IDNCT06393140 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effects of radiotherapy on tumor regression and immune responses in patients with locoregional esophageal squamous carcinoma. It aims to collect clinical and biological data to identify molecular features and immune landscape patterns that differentiate patients who respond well to radiotherapy from those who do not. The study will also explore the changes in the tumor microenvironment and lymph nodes following radiotherapy, utilizing advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy in treating esophageal cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients with a new diagnosis of locoregional esophageal squamous carcinoma who have received radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, unable to receive radiotherapy, or cannot provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for esophageal cancer by enhancing the effectiveness of radiotherapy through better understanding of immune responses.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the immune response to radiotherapy, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. new diagnosis locoregional esophageal cancer;
2. pathologic diagnosis is squamous carcinoma;
3. Patients had received either neoadjuvant or definitive radiotherapy
4. tumor and lymph node tissue can be collected and can be conducted with single cell RNA (scRNA)-sequencing and other sequencings.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or lactating women.
2. Unable or rejection to receive radiotherapy or unable to comply with study requirements or follow-up schedule.
3. Inability to provide informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai

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 Carcinoma Salivary Gland TypeRadiotherapyEsophageal CarcinomaTumor-draining lymph nodes
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.