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Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 12, 2024
Advances in the pharmacotherapeutic management of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Chengwei Peng1, Deirdre J Cohen2
1NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA.
Introduction:
Esophageal squamous cancer remains an important cause of mortality worldwide with two new immunotherapy drugs recently approved for metastatic disease.
Areas Covered:
The authors review the epidemiology and genomics of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. They also examine prior trials involving targeted agents under investigation as well immunotherapies that have been approved and novel combinations.
Expert Opinion:
Great advances have been made in characterizing the molecular changes in esophageal carcinoma. However, relatively few drugs have shown benefit in this disease. Targeted therapies have not shown to improve survival although many of these trials did not explore potential biomarkers. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are now approved for esophageal squamous carcinoma but much more data are needed to understand how these agents may be used in non-metastatic settings. Novel treatments are still required as overall prognosis remains poor.
Insights
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment has advanced with new immunotherapies for metastatic disease. However, novel treatments are still needed as overall prognosis remains poor for this cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a significant global cause of mortality.
- Recent approvals of immunotherapy drugs offer new options for metastatic ESCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and genomics of ESCC.
- To examine targeted agents, approved immunotherapies, and novel combinations for ESCC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological and genomic data for ESCC.
- Analysis of clinical trials involving targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
- Evaluation of approved immunotherapy drugs and combination strategies.
Main Results:
- Advances in understanding ESCC molecular changes have been made.
- Few drugs have demonstrated significant benefit in treating ESCC.
- Targeted therapies have not improved survival, often lacking biomarker exploration.
Conclusions:
- Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are approved for metastatic ESCC, but further data are needed for non-metastatic settings.
- Despite progress, novel treatments are essential as the overall prognosis for ESCC remains poor.
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