Observing How Endoscopic Ultrasound Affects Treatment Decisions in Oesophageal Cancer Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the use of endoscopic ultrasound EUS in patients with oesophageal cancer to understand how often this procedure changes patient treatment plans. This observational study focuses on patients with potentially curable oesophageal cancer who have already undergone initial staging with CT and PET-CT scans. The study also explores opinions of both patients and clinicians regarding the role of EUS in cancer staging. EUS combines endoscopy with ultrasound to visualize the oesophageal wall and nearby lymph nodes, helping to determine tumor depth and spread. Patients undergo sedation for this invasive procedure, which requires specialized training to perform. The study will include patients receiving EUS as part of their standard care and will also interview clinicians and patients to gather qualitative insights about the procedure. Participants will be monitored to see if EUS changes their treatment management decisions made at baseline. Some patients and clinicians will be interviewed within six weeks after EUS to share their views. The research team will collect clinical staging details, treatment decisions, and patient and clinician opinions, aiming to better understand the current use and impact of EUS in oesophageal cancer care. The study will continue until the end of 2026.

Understanding the Variation of Modern Endoscopic Ultrasound Use in Patients With Oesophageal Cancer (VALUE)