Study of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) for Supportive and Symptomatic Management in Patients With Esophageal Cancer

Study of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) for Supportive and Symptomatic Management in Patients With Esophageal Cancer

The main symptom of patients with advanced esophageal cancer is eating obstruction. In clinical practice, patients need to wait for a long time before anti-tumor treatment, which will lead to a rapid decline in the quality of life and nutritional status of patients, and severe patients sometimes need to place nasointestinal feeding tubes or endoscopic stents. EGCG has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects . The complex effects of EGCG may improve esophageal obstruction during the waiting period before antineoplastic therapy. The purpose of this phase I study was to explore the safety, recommended dose and preliminary efficacy of EGCG solution in the treatment of esophageal obstruction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• confirmed pathological esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
• ≥18 years old
• the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) 0-1
• no previous anti-tumor treatment
• no esophageal bleeding or fistula
• adequate hemocyte count, normal hepatic and renal functions
• Esophageal obstruction classified as grade 2 or grade 3 according to Stooler's dysphagia score

Exclusion Criteria:

• lactating or pregnant women
• known hypersensitivity or allergy to any kind green tea extract
• placement of small intestinal feeding tube or endoscopic stent treatment
• unable or refusing to take oral liquids