A Study Of Surgical Drain Fluid For Detection Of Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) In Esophageal Cancer And Thymic Epithelial Tumors

Overview

About this study

To investigate if DNA cancer-associated-variants (CAV) in post-operative blood, tumor tissue and surgical drain fluid can correlate molecular residual disease (MRD) with clinical, radiographic, or pathologic recurrence or progression at 12- and 24- months post-surgery in patients with esophageal cancer and thymic epithelial tumors

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male or Female who is 18 years or older.

  • Currently diagnosed with locally advanced esophageal cancer (clinical stage equal or greater than T2 N0 M0) (cohort 1) or thymic epithelial tumors (cohort 2).

  • Scheduled or will be scheduled for primary surgical resection with use of a post-surgical drain.

  • The participant is cognitively able to consent to participate in the study.

  • The participant is healthy enough for blood draws and sample collection (at the discretion of the Investigator).

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Participant does not meet all inclusion criteria.

  • Subject deemed not fit to participate at the Investigator’s discretion.

  • Participant has a history of a previous cancer diagnosis, other than: non-melanomatous localized cutaneous malignancies (e.g., SCC, BCC); non-metastatic prostate cancer; and non-metastatic well differentiated thyroid cancers within the last 5 years.

  • Pregnancy at time of surgery

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 04/27/2026. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Luis Tapias Vargas, M.D.

Contact us for the latest status

Contact information:

Thoracic Surgery Research Unit

(877) 526-9172

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available