Approach to Localized Squamous Cell Cancer of the Esophagus

Esophageal cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with an increasing incidence in recent decades. The majority of esophageal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. The 5-year survival rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is poor, and there remains globally a pressing need for novel treatments that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. In this review, we discuss management of localized ESCC with an update on relevant newly published literature, including targeted therapy and novel biomarkers. The standard treatment approach for locally advanced, resectable ESCC is currently chemoradiation with or without surgery. Here we discuss different approaches to endoscopic resection, surgery, and radiation therapy. Although the typical chemotherapy regimen is a combination of a platinum with a fluoropyrimidine or paclitaxel, different regimens are being evaluated. With the landscape of immunotherapy rapidly evolving, at the forefront of new treatments for ESCC is immunotherapy and other targeted agents. Ultimately, the treatment approach should be individualized to each patient.