Lymphocyte-sparing Thoracic Radiotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
China212 participantsStarted 2024-06-30
Plain-language summary
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors. Although neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with surgery has significantly improved the survival rate of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, approximately half of the patients will experience local regional recurrence or distant metastasis. Lymphocytes are crucial immune cells in the human body, playing a key role in combating infections and tumor development. In recent years, an increasing body of research has indicated that lymphocyte depletion is a significant factor associated with poor prognosis in various solid tumors, including esophageal cancer. The lymphocyte depletion caused by radiotherapy has garnered considerable attention from oncologists. However, there is still a lack of prospective clinical research data on lymphocyte protection in thoracic tumors. Therefore, this study aims to provide high-level evidence from evidence-based medicine regarding the correlation between lymphocyte depletion and prognosis in esophageal cancer patients, offering more effective strategies and methods to improve the outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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
. Patients are able to understand and are willing to participate in the trial, and a signed consent form can be obtained;
. the age of patients should be more than 18 years, and less than 80 years;
. aged between 18 and 80 years;
. KPS score of patients should be more than 80
Exclusion criteria
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.