A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating of Prophylactic Irradiation in CRT for cT1bN0M0 ESCC

This study is looking at whether adding preventive radiation to nearby lymph nodes improves outcomes for people with a specific early-stage esophageal cancer (squamous cell type, stage cT1bN0M0 — meaning the cancer is in the shallow layer of the esophageal wall and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs). The treatment being tested is radiation combined with chemotherapy. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 20 years or older - You have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus confirmed by biopsy - Scans show the cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs - The tumor is staged as penetrating the inner layer of the esophageal wall (cT1b) - You are in good physical condition (ECOG 0–1) - Your blood, liver, kidney, and breathing tests meet required levels - You have not had prior radiation to the chest or neck area **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have had another cancer in the past 5 years - You prefer surgery as your initial treatment - You have had prior esophageal radiation or chemotherapy - Your tumor is in the cervical (neck) esophagus Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.