NCT07603375 · Duke University
Upfront Chemotherapy With Radiation Therapy (CRT) Followed by Chemotherapy in Localized Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
(TNT Esophagus)
What this study is about
The goal of this trial is to learn if adding consolidative chemotherapy to routine chemoradiation can better control both local recurrence and metastasis and reduce the need for surgical intervention.
View original scientific description
The goal of this trial is to learn if adding consolidative chemotherapy to routine chemoradiation can better control both local recurrence and metastasis and reduce the need for surgical intervention.
Interventions
DRUG
FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin)
Modified-FOLFOX-6 or FLOT (Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin, Docetaxel)
Primary outcome measures
Number of participants with Clinical complete response (cCR)
Time frame: approximately 36 weeks
cCR defined as absence of malignancy on endoscopic biopsies obtained at the time of reassessment following neoadjuvant therapy
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Subject must be able to provide study specific informed consent prior to study entry
- Must be newly diagnosed, histologically proven diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the thoracic esophagus or gastroesophageal junction (Siewert I-II);
- Stage II-IVA, excluding T4b, according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition;
- Complete history and physical examination within 21 days of signing consent;
- Staging whole-body FDG-PET/CT (fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography) scan with or without contrast (preferred) or chest/abdominal (CT with contrast) confirming there is no evidence of metastatic disease must be obtained within 45 days of study enrollment
- ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status of 0-2
- Subjects must be appropriate candidates for planned chemoradiation (concurrent carboplatin/paclitaxel) and chemotherapy (FLOT, m-FOLFOX-6) as determined by the treating radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, and surgical oncologist.
- Adequate hematologic, renal, and hepatic function within 14 days of initiation of therapy
Exclusion criteria
- Cervical esophageal cancers arising 15-18 cm from the incisors.
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
- Patients with T4b disease according to the AJCC 8th Edition.
- Definitive clinical or radiologic evidence of metastatic disease.
- Has had prior systemic therapy or radiation therapy for the current diagnosis.
- Prior thoracic radiotherapy for any reason that would result in overlap of radiation therapy fields; all patients with prior radiotherapy must be reviewed by the PI to determine if patient is eligible.
- Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment. Exceptions include basal cell carcinoma of the skin or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that has undergone potentially curative therapy or in situ cervical cancer
- Severe, active co-morbidity defined as follows:
- Active uncontrolled infection requiring IV antibiotics;
- Pregnant and/or nursing subjects;
- HIV positive with CD4 count \< 200 cells/microliter. Note that subjects who are HIV positive are eligible, provided they are under treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and have a CD4 count ≥ 200 cells/microliter within 30 days prior to registration. Note also that HIV testing is not required for eligibility for this protocol. This exclusion criterion is necessary because the treatments involved in this protocol may be significantly immunosuppressive.
- Has a history or current evidence of physical or physiological contraindication to participation in this study, at the discretion of the treating investigator.
- Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial.
Where
- Durham, North Carolina
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations