Neoadjuvant docetaxel, oxaliplatin plus S-1 for treating clinical stage III squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: Study protocol of an open-label phase II trial

In Japan, esophagectomy after two courses of 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin is regarded a standard strategy for treating resectable stage II or III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin does not benefit cohorts with clinical stage III ESCC, suggesting the requirement for a more effective regimen. We are conducting a single-arm phase II study to assess the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant docetaxel, oxaliplatin plus S-1 (DOS) for treating patients with clinical stage III ESCC. The primary endpoint is the pathological response rate, and the target number is 45 patients. Safety, response rate, R0 resection rate, and survival are secondary endpoints. This trial is registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials as jRCTs041210023. We are conducting a prospective phase II trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three courses of neoadjuvant DOS treatment followed by radical esophagectomy for clinical stage III ESCC.