RecruitingPhase 2

Amiodarone for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy in Patients With Esophageal Cancer

United States90 participantsStarted 2024-06-21

Plain-language summary

This phase II trial studies how well amiodarone works in the prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) after a minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in patients with esophageal cancer. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heart rhythm, usually associated with a rapid rate, that is caused by abnormal electrical activity within the atria. AF is the most common complication after MIE for esophageal cancer. There has never been a study of AF after MIE that has used unbiased assignment of patients to receive preventative amiodarone or not. Further, there is no standard recommendation or guideline for preventative medications, such as amiodarone, to decrease the risk of AF in patients having MIE performed for cancer. In fact, most medical centers in the United States and around the world do not give preventative amiodarone after esophagectomy. Giving amiodarone after MIE surgery may be able to reduce the risk of AF for patients with esophageal cancer.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * All patients undergoing MIE will be evaluated for potential enrollment * Indication of cancer, esophageal dysplasia or esophageal dysmotilities * Age \> 18 years * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document Exclusion Criteria: * History of chronic or paroxysmal AF, or atrial flutter * Previous severe adverse reaction or contraindication to amiodarone (e.g., pulmonary toxicity/fibrosis, hepatotoxicity, thyroid dysfunction) * Current preoperative use of amiodarone, as baseline home medication * Development of AF intraoperatively * Pregnancy * Negative pregnancy tests are required for participants of childbearing potential (PCBP) on Day of Surgery (DOS) * Breastfeeding/chest feeding * Aborted MIE operation * QTcF (Fridericia formula) \> 500 for heart rate (HR) 60-100 within 30 days * For patients with a heart rate (HR) of between 50-59 on their pre-operative screening electrocardiography (EKG), we will first review evidence of chronotropic cardiac response to exercise before inclusion in the study. If a patient's HR increases to ≥ 100 with exercise, the patient is eligible for inclusion of study. Exercise testing options may include a stair climb, a brisk walk, or supine leg-lifts prior to surgery. If exercise is not an option, we can review results of formal stress testing chronotropic response (ie. HR ≥ 100). HR monitoring can be collected by either pulse oximeter or EKG

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Development of atrial fibrillation (AF), or completion of seven-day course of amiodarone

Timeframe: From initiation of amiodarone in the intensive care unit (ICU) to post-operative day (POD) 7, after last dose of enteral amiodarone

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06067438

SponsorOHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-08-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Atrial Fibrillation trials