Induction versus no induction chemotherapy before neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery in oesophageal adenocarcinoma: a multicentre randomised phase II trial (NCCTG N0849 [Alliance])

•Adding chemotherapy before trimodality therapy did not improve tumour response.•But it was unexpectedly associated with a longer median overall survival.•This was observed especially in patients with well/moderately differentiated tumours.•These findings are similar to those from a prior independent randomised trial.•These new data can inform the development of curative-intent therapy in this disease.