Spatial MSC Index for Predicting Anti-PD-1 Efficacy in Esophageal Cancer (NCT07745322) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
Spatial MSC Index for Predicting Anti-PD-1 Efficacy in Esophageal Cancer
China270 participantsStarted 2026-05-20
Plain-language summary
The intratumoral microbiota is a key modulator of the tumor immune microenvironment. This study aims to clinically validate a novel, AI-driven digital pathology biomarker-the Microbial-Sensory Coupling (MSC) index-which measures the spatial proximity between the intratumoral bacterium Campylobacter gracilis(C. gracilis) and host Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 (TAAR1)+ tumor cells. The study will evaluate whether the MSC index, measured in pre-treatment tumor biopsy tissues, can accurately predict clinical responsiveness and survival outcomes in ESCC patients undergoing anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy.
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.
. Received standard anti-PD-1 antibody therapy (e.g., pembrolizumab, camrelizumab, sintilimab, toripalimab) combined with chemotherapy or as monotherapy, with at least one post-treatment response evaluation available.
. Availability of adequate, high-quality archived pre-treatment tumor tissue biopsies (FFPE blocks or unstained slides) containing sufficient tumor and stromal areas.
. At least one measurable target lesion according to RECIST 1.1 criteria at baseline.
. ECOG performance status of 0 or 1 at the initiation of anti-PD-1 therapy.
. Complete clinicopathological and follow-up data retrievable from medical records.
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.
1This trial is studying a 'Spatial MSC Index' to predict how well anti-PD-1 immunotherapy works in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma — can you explain what that index is and whether analyzing my tumor tissue in this way could give us useful information about my own treatment options?
2Since this trial is listed as 'active but no longer recruiting,' does that mean there's any way for me to still be considered, or should we focus on finding a similar study that is still enrolling?
3The trial is measuring objective response rate to anti-PD-1 therapy — based on what you know about my specific cancer, do you think I'm likely to respond well to immunotherapy even without a specialized predictive tool like this index?
4This study is in a non-standard phase, which sometimes means it's more focused on developing or validating a tool rather than directly testing a new treatment — does participating in something like this offer me any direct benefit, or would it primarily help future patients?
5Are there other trials or approved biomarker tests that could similarly help predict whether anti-PD-1 immunotherapy would work for my esophageal cancer, since this one is no longer taking new participants?
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
1
Objective Response Rate (ORR)
Timeframe: Up to 12 months from the first dose of anti-PD-1 therapy
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07745322
SponsorPeking University Cancer Hospital & Institute