Receive one of two surgical approaches for treating upper stomach cancer

Back to Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Gastrectomy trials

What is this trial?

This trial tests a newer surgical technique called Hao's Esophagogastrostomy by Fissure Technique (HEFT) in patients undergoing surgery to remove upper stomach cancer. HEFT is designed to reduce acid reflux after surgery while preserving normal stomach function. The study compares this new technique to a standard surgical method called double-tract reconstruction to see which one helps patients maintain better nutrition and have fewer problems after surgery.

After removing the upper portion of the stomach for cancer, surgeons must reconnect the remaining stomach to the esophagus. Currently, there is no universally agreed-upon best way to do this. This trial exists to determine whether the newer HEFT technique produces better outcomes—including less weight loss, less acid reflux, and better overall quality of life—compared to the standard method.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (a type of cancer) in the upper stomach or at the junction between the esophagus and stomach
your cancer is at an early stage (no distant spread) based on imaging and biopsy
you have not had any chemotherapy, radiation, or other cancer treatments before surgery
you have not had previous upper abdominal surgery (except gallbladder removal)
you are in good enough health to tolerate surgery, with normal organ function

You likely don't qualify if…

you are pregnant or breastfeeding
you have had another cancer diagnosed within the past 5 years
you have serious heart disease, a recent heart attack or stroke, or unstable angina
you have severe lung or liver disease that would make surgery unsafe
you are currently enrolled in another clinical trial or were enrolled within the past 6 months

What participation looks like

If you qualify and enroll, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the new HEFT surgical technique or the standard double-tract reconstruction method. Both surgeries will be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. After surgery, you will be followed up for one year, during which doctors will monitor your weight, nutrition status, any reflux symptoms, and overall recovery. The study plans to enroll patients over 2 years, with follow-up care continuing for an additional year after the final patient joins.

Comparing two surgical techniques for upper stomach cancer removal

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(3 sites)