New combination treatment before surgery for advanced esophageal cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT07266493 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · Translation generated July 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 whether a new immunotherapy medication called Envafolimab, combined with two chemotherapy drugs (albumin-bound paclitaxel and carboplatin), can help shrink advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma before surgery. The goal is to give patients the best chance of successful surgery by treating the cancer beforehand. Researchers want to see if this combination is safe and effective.

Advanced esophageal cancer is difficult to treat and surgery alone may not be enough to remove all the disease. By giving this medication before surgery, doctors hope to shrink the tumor more effectively, making surgery more successful and improving patients' chances of survival.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have been diagnosed with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that can be surgically removed
you are in good overall health (ECOG score 0-1)
you have never received chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation for this cancer
your doctors believe you are a candidate for neoadjuvant therapy (treatment before surgery)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have an active autoimmune disease or a history of autoimmune diseases affecting organs like the thyroid, lungs, or kidneys
you have had a different cancer diagnosis in the past or currently have another cancer
you have had major surgery, significant trauma, or open wounds within the last 28 days
you have a bleeding disorder, are taking blood clotting medications, or have had recent severe bleeding in your esophagus or stomach
you have severe uncontrolled medical conditions or fluid buildup in your abdomen or lungs that cannot be managed with medication

What participation looks like

You would receive the medication combination over two treatment cycles, each lasting four weeks (three weeks of treatment followed by one week of rest). During each cycle, you would receive injections and intravenous infusions on days 1, 8, and 15. After completing both cycles, your doctors would evaluate whether your tumor has shrunk enough to proceed safely with surgery. You would need to visit the hospital or clinic regularly for injections, infusions, and monitoring blood tests throughout this period.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 15, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

China

Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality