Stronger radiation therapy guided by MRI for esophageal cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT07359417 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new approach to treating squamous cell esophageal cancer using MRI-guided radiotherapy. After you receive standard chemotherapy and radiation (called CROSS therapy), you would receive two additional, high-precision radiation boosts delivered with the help of real-time MRI imaging. The goal is to see if these stronger, more targeted radiation doses can improve cure rates and help more patients avoid surgery or preserve their esophagus.

Esophageal cancer is often diagnosed late and has a poor outlook. While chemotherapy plus standard radiation before surgery helps some patients, researchers believe that delivering higher doses of radiation in a more precise way could help more patients achieve complete tumor response and better long-term survival.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus that can potentially be treated with surgery
your tumor is locally advanced but has not spread to distant organs
you are scheduled to receive standard chemotherapy and radiation (CROSS regimen) followed by surgery
your tumor is 10 centimeters or smaller in length
you are at least 18 years old and in reasonably good health

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a different type of esophageal cancer (such as adenocarcinoma)
your cancer has already spread to distant parts of your body or cannot be surgically removed
you have received prior chemotherapy or radiation to the chest area
you have had previous esophageal surgery that would prevent a new surgery
you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What participation looks like

You would first complete the standard CROSS chemotherapy and radiation treatment as planned. In the week after finishing CROSS therapy, you would receive two additional radiation boosts guided by MRI imaging on a special MRI-linked radiation machine, which allows real-time adjustments during treatment. After that, you would proceed to surgery as scheduled, and then be followed closely with imaging and clinical visits to monitor your recovery and long-term outcome.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Netherlands

University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Utrecht

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov