Progress in the Application of Single-Cell Sequencing in Neoadjuvant Therapy for Esophageal Cancer

In recent years, with the continuous development of single-cell sequencing (sc-seq) technology, Sc-seq can conduct high-throughput and high-resolution transcriptome analysis at the single-cell level, revealing gene expression differences and molecular characteristics among individual cells. This provides more precise guidance for determining tumor molecular subtypes and formulating treatment strategies. The neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for esophageal cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and comprehensive treatment, has achieved significant progress. However, there remain considerable challenges in enhancing the quality of life for esophageal cancer patients, extending their survival period, and reducing the rate of late-stage recurrence. This article explores the Sc-seq technology, delineating its advantages and disadvantages. It further examines the application progress of this technology in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of esophageal cancer, as well as its application for various neoadjuvant treatment regimens. The article offers a novel perspective on the effectiveness of NAT and provides a basis for the neoadjuvant treatment of esophageal tumors.