Advances in the pharmacotherapeutic management of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Chengwei Peng1, Deirdre J Cohen2

  • 1NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA.

Abstract

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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