Turning the tables on surgical oncology: the • Pancho trial unplugged

Summary BACKGROUND: In esophageal cancer patients neoadjuvant therapy failed to demonstrate a clear benefit in overall survival. A significant advantage can be seen in patients with complete pathological response. METHODS: This review summarizes the results of retrospective clinical studies suggesting p53 as a predictive marker for chemotherapy response. To advance these findings to level of evidence I the • Pancho trial was initiated. RESULTS: The • Pancho trial represents the first prospective randomized trial testing the interaction between p53 and response to chemotherapy. The special design of the • Pancho trial (interaction design), the sample size considerations, the study endpoints and the 12 months accrual of this nationwide study are reported. CONCLUSIONS: The • Pancho trial evaluates for the first time whether the p53 genotype is qualified to select patients who will respond to certain chemotherapy and to guide cancer therapy.