This study tests whether using a CPAP machine (a device that helps with breathing) during radiation therapy for esophageal cancer can reduce radiation exposure to the lungs and heart. Researchers want to see if CPAP can help protect healthy organs while treating the cancer.
Key Objective: The trial is testing whether CPAP use during radiation therapy can reduce harmful radiation exposure to the lungs and heart in esophageal cancer patients.
Who to Consider: Patients with esophageal cancer who are scheduled to undergo radiation therapy and want to explore ways to potentially reduce radiation damage to nearby organs should consider enrolling.
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the use of CPAP in patients with esophgaeal cancer undergoing radiotherapy. The main questions it aims to answer are: * does use of CPAP decrease exposure of normal lung to radiation? * does use of CPAP decrease exposure of normal heart to radiation? Participants will undergo simulation twice: * with CPAP * without CPAP
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of cancer, with a tumor (primary or secondary) in the esophagus including tumors in the esophagus-stomach junction. 2. Age ≥ 18 3. Planned RT treatment 4. The level of functioning ≥ 60 on the Karnofsky scale 5. Life expectancy ≥ two months 6. All patients must understand the informed consent form document and sign it of their own free will before any test/procedure related to the study is performed. 7. Able to undergo simulation and radiation with CPAP 8. Candidate patients can be recruited to receive definitive, palliative or pre-operative radiation, with or without chemotherapy. Exclusion Criteria: A person who meets any of the following exclusion criteria will not be able to participate in the study: 1. Pregnancy or breastfeeding 2. Significant comorbidity at the starting point that would prevent the use of CPAP 3. Hospitalized in an institution by virtue of an administrative order or a court order. 4. Special population 5. A history of a psychiatric