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Esophageal Cancer Research and Clinical Trials

Winship is a leader in esophageal and gastrointestinal cancer research. That means our patients get access to novel treatments before they’re commercially available.

Researching Esophageal Cancer Developing Novel Therapies at Winship

The survival rate of esophageal cancer is improving, and will continue to improve, thanks to research being done at leading cancer centers like Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

We’re honored to be one of only a few dozen National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country — and the only one in Georgia — developing lifesaving cancer and, more specifically, esophageal cancer research initiatives.

Types of Esophageal Cancer Research

Esophageal cancer research is vital to the development of new treatments. Winship researchers are studying immunotherapy for esophageal cancer, hoping to apply it to more cancers in the coming years. We’re also studying therapy sequencing — the order in which treatments are delivered — to determine not only which therapies are most effective against esophageal cancer, but when and how to use them. Our treatment decisions are informed by outcomes research, which involves analyzing massive amounts of data to identify which treatments are working for esophageal cancer in patients across the country.

Of course, treatment research is only part of the story. We’re also using research to better understand esophageal cancer and how to diagnose it effectively and completely. Winship gastrointestinal cancer researchers and scientists are leading the way in changing how the world prevents, detects, diagnoses, treats and survives esophageal cancers. We are pioneers in the lab, making discoveries that translate into the latest, most effective treatments in the clinic. Our bench-to-bedside research in esophageal cancers enables us to unlock and deliver game-changing procedures, technologies, diagnostics and treatments. In short, Winship is advancing esophageal cancer research in every area, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, side effect reduction, recurrence and more.

Esophageal Cancer Clinical Trials

Besides standard therapy, many Winship patients with esophageal cancer are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are controlled studies that test new interventions on a disease, such as esophageal cancer. They offer participants early access to novel treatments that are not yet commercially available.

Participating in Esophageal Cancer Research

Clinical trials are the third step of a five-step process for testing new therapies as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration. By the time a therapy comes to clinical trial, it has been tested in a laboratory setting and has passed preclinical safety standards.

As a research center, our physicians and scientists will make every effort to match you with a clinical trial targeting your unique cancer. It’s best if you enroll from the very beginning, so let your doctor know on your first visit if you’re interested in learning more about a clinical trial. Most clinical trials are supplemental, meaning you’ll still receive the standard therapy in addition to any treatment being studied.

Support for Clinical Trial Participation

Winship conducts esophageal cancer research at the following locations:

We welcome trial participants from all over Georgia and beyond. Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial.