Plain-English translation of NCT04280822 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.
This trial is testing whether combining a new immunotherapy drug called toripalimab (JS001) with standard chemotherapy before surgery works better than chemotherapy alone for people with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. About 400 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the combination treatment or chemotherapy alone, followed by surgery. Researchers hope this medication will help shrink tumors before surgery and improve long-term survival.
Recent studies have shown that immunotherapy drugs can help treat esophageal cancer when used as a second-line treatment. This trial is exploring whether using this medication earlier in treatment—before surgery—might work even better and give patients a better chance of survival.
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You will receive two rounds of chemotherapy infusions (cisplatin and paclitaxel) given three weeks apart. Half of participants will also receive the new immunotherapy medication during and after chemotherapy. About 2–3 weeks after completing chemotherapy, you will have surgery performed by an experienced thoracic surgeon to remove the affected portion of your esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes. If you receive the new immunotherapy, you may continue receiving it for up to 8 more cycles after surgery. Throughout the trial, you will have regular blood tests and imaging to monitor your progress.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice
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