Combined radiation and immunotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT06603402 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2024 · Translation generated June 2026 · 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.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new combination treatment for advanced esophageal cancer that cannot be surgically removed. The treatment combines chemotherapy (paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin), an immunotherapy drug called camrelizumab, and low-dose radiation therapy. The hope is that using these three approaches together will help more patients survive longer without their cancer growing.

Current standard treatments for this type of advanced esophageal cancer help only about one-third of patients stay cancer-free for a year. This trial is testing whether adding camrelizumab to radiation and chemotherapy might improve those odds by boosting the body's immune system to fight the cancer.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that cannot be surgically removed
your cancer either involves certain high-risk areas (like the upper esophagus or collarbone area), is at an advanced stage, refused surgery, or came back after previous treatment
you have had no signs of cancer spreading or returning in the 2–3 weeks before joining the trial
your overall health and organ function are adequate, with a good ability to carry out daily activities
you are willing and able to provide a tumor tissue sample and follow all study procedures

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a hole or fistula in your esophagus, or are at high risk for one
you have severe malnutrition or poor nutritional status
you had serious immune-related side effects (like severe lung inflammation or heart inflammation) during previous cancer treatment
you have signs of lung disease, an active autoimmune disease, or are taking long-term immunosuppressant medications or high-dose steroids
you have another active cancer, severe uncontrolled medical condition, or cannot reliably follow up for long-term monitoring

What participation looks like

You will start with one cycle of chemotherapy combined with camrelizumab, given intravenously every three weeks. Beginning with the second chemotherapy cycle, you will receive low-dose radiation therapy to your esophagus and involved lymph nodes over 5 weeks (25 daily treatments). After treatment completes and your cancer stabilizes, you will continue receiving camrelizumab alone for up to one year to help prevent the cancer from returning. Throughout and after treatment, you will have regular follow-up visits to monitor your response and watch for any side effects.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 13, 2026 · Not medical advice

Combined radiation and immunotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations