Immunotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma have been frustrating to treat, with slow progress made on extending survival. Immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints, T cells, and infiltrating lymphocytes has shown promise in early studies. The efficacy of pembrolizumab and nivolumab is encouraging. Anti-chemokine receptors and oncolytic viruses are also making headway against these stubborn tumors; improved results when immune checkpoint inhibitors are combined with radiation therapy are eagerly anticipated. Adoptive T cell therapy and vaccines are also under development. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach cannot be emphasized enough.