Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
Efficacy and Safety of Second-Line Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Rechallenge in Advanced or Metastatic Esophageal
Wensi Zhao1, Nan Zhao1, Dedong Cao1
1Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Background:
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has reshaped the treatment landscape of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). But most patients end up with disease progression and/or therapeutic intolerance. The subsequent ICI rechallenge raises some discussions.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of reintroduction of ICI in patients with advanced or metastatic ESCC after first-line ICI failure. Outcomes included median overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and safety. Subgroup analysis and prognostic analysis were also performed.
Results:
A total of 1320 patients were screened and 138 were enrolled: 109 received second-line ICI-based therapies, and 29 received non-ICI therapies. As of data cutoff on November 30, 2024, patients with ICI rechallenge, compared with non-ICI rechallenge, achieved an improved second-line OS (10.4 vs. 5.8 months; HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33-0.84; p = 0.006) and showed a favorable PFS trend (5.0 vs. 3.0 months; HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.48-1.17; p = 0.202). The 6-month PFS rate was 42.9% versus 22.3%, and the 12-month OS rate was 41.5% versus 23.2%, respectively. The ORR was 30.3% versus13.8% and the DCR was 79.8% versus 58.6%, respectively. ICI combined with chemoradiotherapy was the most popular option for subsequent ICI rechallenge, with an OS of 11.2 months. Treatment-related adverse events of grade ≥ 3 occurred in 47 (43.1%) and 11 (37.9%) patients in the two groups.
Conclusion:
Second-line ICI rechallenge provided OS benefits in advanced or metastatic ESCC, with manageable safety. Further prospective study is warranted.
More Related Videos
08:04In Vitro Tumor Cell Rechallenge For Predictive Evaluation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Antitumor Function
Published on: February 27, 2019
09:38Establishing Dual Resistance to EGFR-TKI and MET-TKI in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells In Vitro with a 2-step Dose-escalation Procedure
Published on: August 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Immunotherapy
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...