Plain-English translation of NCT06408116 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.
This trial is testing whether a specialized imaging scan called FAPI PET/CT can help doctors better see exactly where esophageal cancer is located before surgery. By getting a clearer picture of your tumor's exact boundaries, doctors may be able to plan surgery more precisely and protect nearby organs like your lungs and heart from unnecessary radiation or damage.
Currently, when doctors plan treatment for esophageal cancer, they have to use large safety margins around the tumor because they cannot see exactly where cancer cells end and healthy tissue begins. This can expose important organs to unnecessary radiation and cause side effects. This trial aims to solve that problem by testing whether advanced imaging can show the true tumor borders more accurately.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you join this trial, you will receive the specialized imaging scan (FAPI PET/CT) in addition to your standard cancer imaging. Depending on your cancer stage and type, you may receive and/or radiation therapy before surgery, followed by surgical removal of the tumor — this follows standard treatment paths, not experimental ones. The trial is collecting detailed information about how well the new imaging predicts your actual tumor extent when compared to what doctors find during surgery.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice
Germany
Phase
Testing effectiveness
Sponsor
University Hospital Heidelberg
Enrollment target
~30 participants
Started
March 2024
Primary completion
January 2028
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in March 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Christoph Fink, MD
University Hospital Heidelberg
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.