Testing a new nanoparticle treatment with radiation and chemotherapy for esophageal cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT04615013 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This Phase 1 trial is testing a new treatment called NBTXR3—tiny particles made of hafnium oxide that are injected directly into esophageal tumors. The medication is activated by radiation therapy and combined with chemotherapy, the standard treatment for esophageal cancer. The goal is to see if this medication can work safely with radiation and chemotherapy to shrink tumors and improve outcomes for people with advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a serious cancer that requires aggressive combination treatment. This trial exists to see if the medication can make radiation therapy more effective by concentrating its energy directly in the tumor, potentially improving results for patients who haven't received any prior cancer treatment.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (a type of cancer) of the esophagus or the junction between the esophagus and stomach, confirmed by biopsy
your cancer is stage II or III, meaning it is locally advanced but has not spread to distant parts of your body
you are healthy enough to receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy together
you have at least one measurable tumor in your esophagus or nearby lymph nodes that can be injected with the medication
your blood counts, kidney function, and liver function are within acceptable ranges

You likely don't qualify if…

you have already received radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery for esophageal cancer
your cancer has already spread to other parts of your body (metastatic disease)
you have a history of an esophageal fistula or tracheoesophageal fistula (abnormal connections between the esophagus and airway)
you have active, severe ulcers in your esophagus or stomach within the past month
you are allergic to contrast dyes used in imaging scans

What participation looks like

Over about 3 months, you would receive an injection of the medication directly into your tumor using an endoscope (a thin viewing tube). Two weeks later, you would begin 6 weeks of daily radiation therapy (Monday through Friday) combined with intravenous chemotherapy infusions. After treatment ends, you would return for follow-up visits every 3 months for 1 year to check how well the treatment worked and monitor for any side effects.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 21, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing a new nanoparticle treatment with radiation and chemotherapy for esophageal cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations