Testing combination cancer treatments for advanced esophageal cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT06780111 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1/2 — A combined trial that checks safety and dosing while also starting to look at whether the treatment works.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether —a medication that helps your immune system fight cancer—works better when combined with other cancer drugs for people with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Participants will receive one of three different drug combinations given through an IV (intravenous line) over approximately two years. The goal is to see which combination helps patients live longer and control their cancer better.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a serious cancer that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Current standard treatments have limited effectiveness, and doctors need to find better options. This trial tests whether adding this medication to chemotherapy or other newer drugs can improve outcomes for patients who have never received cancer treatment before.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus that cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other parts of your body
you have not received any prior chemotherapy or cancer treatment for your advanced esophageal cancer
you have measurable cancer on imaging that can be tracked throughout the trial
your overall health and organ function are adequate enough to tolerate the study medications
you have recovered from any side effects of previous cancer treatments (with few exceptions)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have previously received immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab or other checkpoint inhibitors
you have severe heart problems, including recent heart attack or unstable chest pain within the past six months
you have serious eye disease or severe dry eye that could prevent your eyes from healing properly
you have nerve damage in your hands or feet (grade 2 or worse)
you received cancer radiation therapy within two weeks before the study starts

What participation looks like

You would visit a cancer center regularly to receive IV infusions of your assigned drug combination every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on which arm you're in. Treatment continues for up to two years unless your cancer progresses or side effects become too difficult to manage. You'll have blood tests, imaging scans, and physical exams throughout the trial to monitor how well the treatment is working and to check for side effects.

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

Testing combination cancer treatments for advanced esophageal cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(43 sites)