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Recruiting Phase 3 NCT05055648

NCT05055648 PROton Versus Photon Therapy for Esophageal Cancer - a Trimodality Strategy

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT05055648
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 3
Sponsor University of Aarhus
Condition Esophageal Cancer
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 396 participants
Start Date 2022-05-01
Primary Completion 2027-12-01

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age N/A
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Photon RadiotherapyProton Radiotherapy

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

Phase 3 trials are large pivotal studies comparing the treatment to current standard of care or placebo. Your participation directly contributes to the evidence needed for regulatory approval.

This trial targets 396 participants in total. It began in 2022-05-01 with a primary completion date of 2027-12-01.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

The PROTECT trial will test the hypothesis that proton (PT) -enabled radiation dose reductions to sensitive, normal tissues will result in lower rates of treatment-related pulmonary complications in esophageal cancer compared to standard photon therapy (XT).

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with histologically verified squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma (including signet cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma, not further specified) of the esophagus (E) or gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ). * FDG PET/CT performed. * Tumor stage according to TNM (8th edition): cT1-4a and/or cN+, cM0. * Age ≥18 years. * Performance status WHO ≤2. * Adequate laboratory findings: hematological: hemoglobin \> 90 g/L, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,5 x 109/L, platelets ≥ 75 x 109/L hepatic: bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN), ALAT ≤ 3 x ULN renal: creatinine ≤ 1.5 x ULN, GFR (may be calculated) \> 30 ml/min * MDT decision on suitability to undergo curatively intended nCXT or nCPT followed by surgery. * Planned transthoracic esophagectomy or gastrectomy being open, minimally invasive of combination of both. * Ability to adhere to procedures for study and follow-up. * Patients with low risk cancers with a life expectancy above 5 years (e.g. low risk prostate cancer) are allowed in the study. Adequately treated diagnoses such as cervix uteri carcinoma in situ, in situ urothelial carcinoma or localized non-melanoma skin cancer are allowed, regardless of time of diagnosis. * Patients of childbearing potential: pregnancy prevention according to the standards of each country. Patients of childbearing potential must present a negative pregnancy test. Patients and their partners must use effective contraception. Patients of childbearing potential included in the study must use oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, depot injection of progestin subdermal implantation, a hormonal vaginal ring, or transdermal patch during the study treatment and one month after. Exclusion Criteria: Patients who meet one or more of the following exclusion criteria cannot be included in the study: * Prior thoracic XT or PT, chemotherapy or surgical resection in the esophageal/gastric region (previous EMR or ESD is allowed). * Tumor \< 3 cm from oropharyngeal sphincter. * Planned transhiatal resection * Patients with other previous malignancies are excluded unless a complete remission or complete resection was achieved at least 5 years prior to study entry. * Any unstable systemic disease (including clinically significant lung and cardiovascular disease, unstable angina, New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade III-IV congestive heart, severe hepatic, renal or metabolic disease or active inflammatory bowel disease). * Symptomatic peripheral neuropathy greater than grade 1 (scored according to CTCAE v5.0). * Any other serious or uncontrolled illness, which, in the opinion of the investigator, makes it undesirable for the patient to enter the trial. * Unable to understand and digest study patient information or comply with study treatment and safety instructions. * Gastro-esophageal stent within the irradiated volume.

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Dorte Winter

✉ dorte.skriver.winther@auh.rm.dk

📞 +45 78456442

Principal Investigator

Marianne Nordsmark, Dr.

STUDY DIRECTOR

University of Aarhus

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT05055648 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Esophageal Cancer. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

What phase is the NCT05055648 trial and what does that mean for participants?

Phase 3 trials are large-scale studies comparing the new treatment to existing standards of care or a placebo. They provide the evidence needed for regulatory approval. This trial targets 396 participants.

Is NCT05055648 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT05055648 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at dorte.skriver.winther@auh.rm.dk for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT05055648 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Leuven, Belgium, Aarhus, Denmark, Lyon, France, Nice, France and 11 additional locations.

Who is sponsoring the NCT05055648 clinical trial?

NCT05055648 is sponsored by University of Aarhus. The principal investigator is Marianne Nordsmark, Dr. at University of Aarhus. The trial plans to enroll 396 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: July 2026  ·  Data Methodology