Plain-English translation of NCT05704530 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This research study is testing whether simple blood tests can detect tiny amounts of cancer DNA left behind after esophageal cancer treatment. Researchers hope that by catching these signs early in your blood, they can predict whether your cancer might come back and help your doctors adjust your care plan sooner.
Currently, doctors don't have a reliable way to know early on if esophageal cancer will return after surgery or other treatments. This study aims to fill that gap by developing a blood test that can spot leftover cancer cells, so doctors can intervene faster if needed.
You likely qualify if…
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You will continue your regular cancer treatment as planned by your doctors—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination, depending on your case. At the same time as your routine blood work, the study team will collect extra blood samples at specific times: before your treatment starts, before or after surgery, and then at follow-up visits over the next 6 to 12 months. No extra needle sticks are needed; these samples are taken during your regular lab visits. Your tissue samples from biopsies or surgery will also be studied to help researchers understand the cancer better.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice
Belgium
Sponsor
Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Collaborators
Kom Op Tegen Kanker
Enrollment target
~248 participants
Started
March 2023
Primary completion
December 2028
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in June 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Jeroen Dekervel, MD
Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.