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Updated: May 10, 2026

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 12, 2024
Targeted treatments for metastatic esophageal squamous cell cancer
Antonia Digklia1, Ioannis A Voutsadakis
1Antonia Digklia, Ioannis A Voutsadakis, Centre Pluridisciplinaire d'Oncologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Squamous cell carcinoma, one of the two major sub-types of esophageal carcinomas, constitutes the great majority of tumors in the upper and middle third of the organ. Declining in incidence in western countries, it continues to be a significant public health problem in the far east. Targeted treatments are novel therapies introduced in the clinical therapeutic armamentarium of oncology in the last 10-15 years. They represent a rational way of treating various cancers based on their molecular lesions. Although no such agent has been approved so far for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC), several are in clinical trials and several others have displayed pre-clinical activity that would justify the efforts and risks of pursuing their clinical development in this disease. This paper discusses some of these targeted agents in more advanced development in metastatic ESCC, as well as some promising drugs with pre-clinical or initial clinical data in the disease.
Insights
Targeted therapies show promise for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a significant cancer in East Asia. While no targeted agents are approved, many are in clinical trials or show preclinical activity for metastatic ESCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a major subtype of esophageal cancer, prevalent in the upper and middle esophagus.
- While incidence is declining in Western countries, ESCC remains a significant health concern, particularly in East Asia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review targeted treatment agents for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
- To discuss agents in advanced development for metastatic ESCC and promising drugs with preclinical or early clinical data.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of targeted therapies for ESCC.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and preclinical studies for novel agents.
Main Results:
- No targeted therapy is currently FDA-approved for ESCC.
- Several targeted agents are in clinical trials for metastatic ESCC.
- Numerous agents demonstrate preclinical activity, warranting further clinical investigation.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies represent a rational approach to ESCC treatment based on molecular alterations.
- Ongoing research and clinical trials are crucial for developing effective targeted treatments for ESCC.
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