Using CPAP to protect lungs and heart during radiation for esophageal cancer

Use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) for Simulating Esophageal Cancer Patients Prior to Radiotherapy

Not applicable Interventional Sheba Medical Center · NCT06037902

This study tests if using a CPAP machine during radiation treatment can help protect the lungs and heart of people with esophageal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSheba Medical Center Government
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Ramat Gan)
Trial IDNCT06037902 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in patients with esophageal cancer who are undergoing radiotherapy. The study aims to determine if CPAP can reduce radiation exposure to normal lung and heart tissues during treatment. Participants will undergo two simulation sessions, one with CPAP and one without, to assess the differences in radiation exposure. The findings could provide insights into improving the safety of radiotherapy for esophageal cancer patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer who are scheduled to receive radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have significant comorbidities preventing CPAP use, or have a history of psychiatric issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced radiation damage to healthy organs, improving patient outcomes during esophageal cancer treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of CPAP in this context is relatively novel, similar studies exploring protective measures during radiation therapy have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of cancer, with a tumor (primary or secondary) in the esophagus including tumors in the esophagus-stomach junction.
2. Age ≥ 18
3. Planned RT treatment
4. The level of functioning ≥ 60 on the Karnofsky scale
5. Life expectancy ≥ two months
6. All patients must understand the informed consent form document and sign it of their own free will before any test/procedure related to the study is performed.
7. Able to undergo simulation and radiation with CPAP
8. Candidate patients can be recruited to receive definitive, palliative or pre-operative radiation, with or without chemotherapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

A person who meets any of the following exclusion criteria will not be able to participate in the study:

1. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
2. Significant comorbidity at the starting point that would prevent the use of CPAP
3. Hospitalized in an institution by virtue of an administrative order or a court order.
4. Special population
5. A history of a psychiatric problem that may impair the patient's ability to understand the research requirements or respond to them, or to give his consent

Where this trial is running

Ramat Gan

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 Cancerradiation
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.