High-Dose Versus Standard-Dose Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy With Concurrent Paclitaxel Plus Carboplatin for Patients With Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Randomized, Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase 3 Superiority Trial

Advances in the treatment of unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous carcinoma (Review)

Treatment options for unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are limited. Currently, radical concurrent chemoradiotherapy is recommended as the standard treatment at home and abroad, but its local control rate and overall survival are not satisfactory. Previously, the expected therapeutic effect was not achieved by optimizing radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimens. Significant progress has been made in the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treating patients with advanced and resectable locally advanced ESCC, and clinical trials of ICIs for unresectable locally advanced ESCC are underway. Based on the existing literature, the present review discusses the current status and prospects of treating unresectable locally advanced ESCC.

Determining the optimal radiation dose for locally advanced esophageal cancer: A pooled analysis of reconstructed individual patient data from randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

The optimal radiation dose of definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCCRT) for esophageal cancer (EC) has always been a concern in radiation oncology and has remained controversial for several decades, we performed a meta-analysis based on individual patient data (IPD) to explore the optimal dose.

METHODS

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing high-dose radiotherapy (HD-RT,≥59.4 Gy) with standard-dose radiotherapy (SD-RT, 50 Gy/50.4 Gy) were identified. Graphical reconstructive algorithms were employed to extract time-to-event outcomes from Kaplan-Meier curves presented in the original RCTs. Using reconstructed individual patient data, summary overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) for HD-RT versus SD-RT were recalculated. Hazard Ratios (HRs) of OS, PFS and LRPFS reported were also pooled by the fixed or random effects model.

RESULTS

Six RCTs, including 1722 patients, were included. IPD for OS, PFS, and LRPFS were from 1287, 462, and 722 patients, respectively. Overall, HD-RT had no significant benefits in 3-year OS (RR = 1.00, P = 0.990), 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) (RR = 0.96, P = 0.320) and 3-year locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) (RR = 0.88, P = 0.204), compared with SD-RT. Consistent with above results, the pooled HRs of OS, PFS and LRPFS for HD-RT versus SD-RT were 0.99 (P = 0.854), 0.94 (P = 0.628) and 0.91 (P = 0.410), respectively. However, HD-RT had higher grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse effects (TRAEs) (OR = 1.26, P = 0.025). Subgroup analyses were also performed based on the RT techniques, histology, size of the RT target, dose-escalation mode, and stage editions. We found that dose escalation, even in subgroups, did not benefit long-term survival but resulted in a higher incidence of grade ≥ 3 TRAEs.

CONCLUSION

The results provide robust evidence that corroborates current guidelines and supports the clinical practice of employing SD-RT. Additionally, it provides implications for the feasibility of further research into novel drug combinations (e.g., immunotherapy) rather than radiation dose escalation.

Efficacy and safety of concurrent programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor and definitive radiotherapy with immunonutrition support in esophageal squamous cell cancer: a phase II multicenter clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, with China accounting for 50% of the world's total incidence. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) with platin-based dual-drug regimen is the standard treatment for inoperable, locally advanced esophageal cancer in patients with a good performance status. However, certain patients possess risk factors that heighten toxicity and reduce their tolerance to cCRT, thereby challenging the feasibility of standard treatment. This study evaluates an alternative therapeutic approach combining programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor (PD-1 inhibitor), definitive radiotherapy, and immunonutrition support for patients with unresectable non-metastatic esophageal cancer expressing PD-L1 who are intolerant to cCRT.

METHODS

This is a phase II, single-arm, multicenter clinical trial involving patients with histologically confirmed unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), who exhibit positive PD-L1 and are unsuitable for cCRT. Participants will receive a total radiotherapy dose of 50-60 Gy in 25-30 fractions, sintilimab (200 mg every three weeks), alongside, supplemented by enteral nutritional emulsion (600-1600 ml/day). The primary endpoint is the 1-year progression-free survival rate, with secondary endpoints including objective response rate, overall survival and incidence of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

This research has the potential to redefine treatment for inoperable ESCC patients who cannot tolerate conventional therapies. By evaluating a less toxic regimen that combines immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and nutritional support, we aim to determine if this approach can improve both survival rates and quality of life. The synergistic effects of immunonutrition support and PD-1 inhibitor will also be explored.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT06342167.

Executive Summary of the American Radium Society Appropriate Use Criteria for Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervical Esophagus: Systematic Review and Guidelines

OBJECTIVES

Cervical esophageal cancer (CEC) is an uncommon malignancy accounting for <5% of all esophageal carcinomas. Treatment of CEC varies and is adapted from established regimens used for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or the lower esophageal and head and neck. The present systematic review and guidelines are intended to assist treatment decision making for patients with CEC based on the available evidence.

METHODS

Using the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Timing, and Study Design (PICOTS) framework, the evidence regarding treatment outcomes was assessed using Cochrane and PRISMA 2020 methodology. Eligible studies included prospective Phase II to III trials and retrospective analyses published between January 1, 2013 and February 23, 2024 in the Ovid Medline database. These references were assessed through the American Radium Society (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) methodology. A systematic review PRISMA 2020 checklist confirmed the completion of essential elements. RAND-UCLA consensus methodology was used by the expert panel to rate the appropriateness of the treatment options.

RESULTS

ARS AUC recommendations include (1) larynx preservation using endoscopic resection (EMR or ESD) alone for the typical case with pT1a cN0 cM0 CEC, (2) definitive CRT for the typical case with cT1bN0M0 in patients who cannot undergo endoscopic resection, (3) larynx-preserving using definitive CRT (with or without induction chemotherapy) for the typical case with nonmetastatic locally advanced CEC (advanced T-stage tumors or involved lymph nodes), with surgery reserved for those patients with incomplete response or locoregional recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This ARS AUC summary provides guidelines for the management of SCC of the cervical esophagus provides based on available evidence. Topics that warrant further investigation include optimization of (1) patient selection; (2) multimodality therapies including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted agents; (3) radiation dose, schedule, and treatment volume; and (4) supportive care for patients with CEC. Ongoing trials continue to improve outcomes for patients with CEC.

Consolidation Chemotherapy Provided Survival Benefit for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Who Underwent Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Lower Than 60 Gy

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of consolidation chemotherapy (CCT) following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has not been clearly defined in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study determined which patients with stage II-IVA ESCC benefitted from CCT.

METHODS

351 patients with ESCC were retrospectively reviewed. 185 patients received CCRT alone and 166 received CCRT plus CCT. Subset analyses were conducted on all patients' characteristics. Factors associated with survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model. The Propensity score matching (PSM) technique was used to compensate for differences in patients' characteristics.

RESULTS

The median OS were 17.7 months and 38.4 months in the CCRT alone group and CCRT+CCT group (p = 0.002), respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis determined that CCT was associated with improved OS (p = 0.002, HR 0.592, 95% CI 0.423-0.829); After PSM, relative to the CCRT group, patients who received CCT experienced improved OS (17.7 months vs. 38.4 months, p = 0.0139). Subgroup analysis showed that CCT was more effective in radiation dose < 60 Gy (p = 0.002, HR 0.368, 95% CI 0.194-0.700). After matching between radiation dose, in the low dose cohort, the median OS was 13.2 months and 20.7 months in the CCRT alone group and CCRT+CCT group, respectively (p = 0.0028), the multivariate analysis results showed that CCT retained its statistical significance (p = 0.002, HR 0.353, 95% CI 0.183-0.681). In the high dose cohort, the median OS were 21.6 months and 23.6 months in the CCRT alone group and CCRT+CCT group, respectively (p = 0.5512).

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend that CCT treatment should be considered for ESCC patients who underwent CCRT using < 60 Gy. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Current status and perspectives of esophageal cancer: a comprehensive review

Esophageal cancer (EC) continues to be a significant global health concern, with two main subtypes: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Prevention and changes in etiology, improvements in early detection, and refinements in the treatment have led to remarkable progress in the outcomes of EC patients in the past two decades. This seminar provides an in-depth analysis of advances in the epidemiology, disease biology, screening, diagnosis, and treatment landscape of esophageal cancer, focusing on the ongoing debate surrounding multimodality therapy. Despite significant advancements, EC remains a deadly disease, underscoring the need for continued research into early detection methods, understanding the molecular mechanisms, and developing effective treatments.

Tislelizumab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for elderly patients with inoperable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The standard treatment for elderly patients with unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is definitive chemoradiotherapy with S-1. However, the 3-year overall survival (OS) is limited to approximately 40%. Tislelizumab is the first- and second-line standard treatment for advanced ESCC with tolerable toxicity. In this study, we aimed to explore a new curative strategy for locally advanced unresectable ESCC in the elderly by combining tislelizumab with chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

This study is an open-label, multicenter, investigator-initiated phase II clinical trial in older patients with inoperable locally advanced ESCC evaluating tislelizumab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The main inclusion criteria were pathological confirmation of locally advanced inoperable ESCC at clinical cT1N2-3M0 or cT2-4bN0-3M0 (stage II-IVA), age ≥ 70 years, absence of previous systemic anti-tumor therapy, and adequate organ function. A total of 136 patients will be recruited from approximately seven centers (in Tianjin, Chengdu, Taiyuan, Zhengzhou, Shijiazhuang, Changsha, Nanjing) over a period of 18 months and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive tislelizumab in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (tislelizumab + S-1 + radiotherapy) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (S-1 + radiotherapy). The efficacy and safety of the treatment will be evaluated during the therapy and follow-up period until disease progression, death, or the end of the trial. The primary study endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary study endpoints were OS, objective response rate (ORR), duration of remission (DOR), and safety. Fresh or archival tumor tissues and peripheral blood samples will be used in exploratory studies.

DISCUSSION

This study is the first "programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy" for elderly patients with inoperable locally advanced ESCC (NCT06061146). The synergistic efficacy of combined definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy with tislelizumab is expected to result in survival benefits for elderly patients with inoperable locally advanced ESCC. Because S-1 plus concurrent radiotherapy is the standard treatment option for locally advanced ESCC in older patients, the combination of definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy and tislelizumab has the potential to change the standard ESCC therapeutic strategy with comparable safety.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06061146.Registered 9/10/2023.

Salvage Chemoradiotherapy for Loco-Regional Recurrence of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Esophagectomy

Background/Objectives: Loco-regional recurrence (LRR) of esophageal cancer following esophagectomy presents a significant therapeutic problem. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of salvage concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and to identify the prognostic factors influencing the survival outcomes in patients with an LRR of esophageal cancer. Methods: This retrospective study included 68 patients who underwent salvage CCRT for an LRR of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma between April 2008 and June 2024. Patients were treated with either 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions or 60 Gy in 30 fractions, along with concurrent fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy. Prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Results: The median overall survival (OS) was 30.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.5-110.7 months), with a 2-year OS rate of 57.4%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.9 months (95% CI: 6.3-17.7 months). In the multivariate analysis, the significant prognostic factors for OS included the interval to recurrence (>1 year vs. ≤1 year, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.307, p = 0.024) and radiotherapy dose (60 Gy vs. 50.4 Gy, HR = 2.414, p = 0.040). For PFS, the interval to recurrence and radiotherapy dose remained significant predictors (p < 0.05). The 2-year OS rate was higher in the 60 Gy arm (62.7% vs. 42.0%, p = 0.285) and in patients with recurrence occurring >1 year after surgery (73.4% vs. 29.9%, p = 0.0054). The local control rate at 2 years was 71.9%, with better outcomes observed in the 60 Gy arm (93.5% vs. 76.5%, p = 0.0651). Conclusions: Salvage CCRT is a viable treatment option for LRR of esophageal cancer, achieving favorable survival outcomes, particularly in patients with late recurrence (>1 year) and in those receiving higher radiotherapy doses.

Identification of a Suitable Subgroup for Radiation Dose Escalation in Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy for Nonmetastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Dose escalation may only be suitable for some patients with esophageal cancer (EC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). This study aimed to identify specific subgroups of patients for whom dose escalation was most beneficial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2008 and December 2022, 187 patients with EC underwent CCRT; 94 patients received high-dose (HD) radiotherapy (RT; >64.8 Gy), and 93 patients received low-dose (LD) RT. We developed a model on the basis of clinical and radiomic features to compare the predicted survival probabilities of patients with EC receiving HD- and LD-RT. Patients suitable for HD-RT could be identified. We validated our findings of a suitable HD subgroup by evaluating the actual overall survival (OS) across different subgroups in the testing set.

RESULTS

Our model comprised HD and LD submodels, each predicting patient survival under their respective RT doses. The HD and LD submodels achieved concordance indexes of 0.78 and 0.75 in their respective testing sets. The average areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve over years 1-3 were 0.890 and 0.807 in the HD and LD testing sets, respectively. By comparing patients' predicted survival under HD- and LD-RT in the model, we classified the patients in the testing set into the HD-suitable (HDS) subgroup and the HD-unsuitable subgroup. In the subgroup analysis, HD-RT led to a better OS benefit for the identified HDS subgroup compared with LD-RT (P = .014). Among the HD-treated patients, the HDS subgroup showed better OS than did patients identified as unsuitable (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We identified a suitable subgroup of patients with EC who might benefit from HD-RT. This model could aid clinicians in prescribing RT doses.

Current status and prospects of diagnosis and treatment for esophageal cancer with supraclavicular lymph node metastasis

Patients with supraclavicular lymph node (SLN) metastasis from esophageal cancer encounter significant variations in treatment approaches due to differences in pathological subtypes and the lack of a unified regional staging system between East Asian and Western countries. The Tiger study aims to develop an internationally recognized staging system and to delineate the extent of regional lymph node dissection. In the context of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with SLN metastasis, the treatment paradigms from East Asia offer valuable insights. The Japan Esophageal Society (JES) 12th edition staging system guides a tailored comprehensive treatment strategy, emphasizing either radiotherapy and chemotherapy or surgical intervention. In contrast, esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) predominates in Western countries, where the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system classifies SLN metastasis as a distant metastasis, advocating for systemic therapy as the primary treatment modality. Nonetheless, compelling evidence suggests that a multidisciplinary treatment approach, incorporating either radiotherapy and chemotherapy or surgery as the initial treatment, can yield superior outcomes for these patients compared to chemotherapy alone.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapyof different radiation doses and different irradiation fields for locally advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A randomized, multicenter, phase III clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the optimal radiotherapy regimen, particularly in terms of total dose and planned range of irradiation field, remains unclear. This phase III clinical trial aimed to compare the survival benefits between different radiation doses and different target fields.

METHODS

This trial compared two aspects of radiation treatment, total dose and field, using a two-by-two factorial design. The high-dose (HD) group received 59.4 Gy radiation, and the standard-dose (SD) group received 50.4 Gy. The involved field irradiation (IFI) group and elective nodal irradiation (ENI) group adopted different irradiation ranges. The participants were assigned to one of the four groups (HD+ENI, HD+IFI, SD+ENI and SD+IFI). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS). The synergy indexwas used to measure the interaction effect between dose and field.

RESULTS

The interaction analysis did not reveal significant synergistic effects between the dose and irradiation field. In comparison to the target field, patients in IFI or ENI showed similar OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.80-1.23, p = 0.930) and PFS (HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.82-1.25). The HD treatment did not show significantly prolonged OS compared with SD (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.72-1.11, p = 0.318), but it suggested improved PFS (25.2 months to 18.0 months). Among the four groups, the HD+IFI group presented the best survival, while the SD+IFI group had the worst prognosis. No significant difference in the occurrence of severe adverse events was found in dose or field comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

IFI demonstrated similar treatment efficacy to ENI in CCRT of ESCC. The HD demonstrated improved PFS, but did not significantly improve OS. The dose escalation based on IFI (HD+IFI) showed better therapeutic efficacy than the current recommendation (SD+ENI) and is worth further validation.

Dose escalation in radical radio(chemo)therapy for cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer with 3DCRT/IMRT (ChC&UES): a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer (ESCA) presents treatment challenges due to limited clinical evidence. This multi-center study (ChC&UES) explores radical radio(chemo)therapy efficacy and safety, especially focusing on radiation dose.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 1,422 cases across 8 medical centers. According to the radiation dose for primary gross tumor, patients were divided into standard dose radiotherapy (SD, 50-55 Gy) or high dose (HD, > 55 Gy) radiotherapy. HD was further subdivided into conventional- high-dose group (HD-conventional, 55-63 Gy) and ultra-high-dose group (HD-ultra, ≥ 63 Gy). Primary outcome was Overall Survival (OS).

RESULTS

The median OS was 33.0 months (95% CI: 29.401-36.521) in the whole cohort. Compared with SD, HD shown significant improved survival in cervical ESCA in Kaplan-Meier (P = 0.029) and cox multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.024) while shown comparable survival in upper thoracic ESCA (P = 0.735). No significant difference existed between HD-conventional and HD-ultra in cervical (P = 0.976) and upper thoracic (P = 0.610) ESCA. Incidences of radiation esophagitis and pneumonia from HD were comparable to SD (P = 0.097, 0.240), while myosuppression risk was higher(P = 0.039). The Bonferroni method revealed that, for both cervical and upper thoracic ESCA, HD-ultra enhance the objective response rate (ORR) compared to SD (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

HD radiotherapy benefits cervical but not upper thoracic ESCA, while increasing bone marrow suppression risk. Further dose escalating (≥ 63 Gy) doesn't improve survival but enhances ORR.

Esophagogastric Cancer: The Current Role of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment modality in the management of patients with esophageal cancer regardless of tumor location (proximal, middle, or distal esophagus) or histology (squamous cell vs adenocarcinoma). The addition of neoadjuvant CRT to surgery in patients who are surgical candidates has consistently shown a benefit in terms of locoregional recurrence, pathologic downstaging, and overall survival. For patients who are not surgical candidates, CRT has a role as definitive treatment.

Multi-disciplinary management of esophageal carcinoma: Current practices and future directions

Esophageal cancer in one of the most malignant and hard-to-treat cancers. Esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) is most common in Asian countries, whereas adenocarcinoma at the esophago-gastric junction (EGJ AC) is more prevalent in the Western countries. Due to differences in both genetic background and response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, both histologic subtypes need different paradigms of management. Since the landmark CROSS study has demonstrated the superior survival benefit of tri-modality including neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy prior to esophagectomy, the tri-modality becomes the standard of care; however, it is suitable for a highly-selected patient. Tri-modality should be offered for every ESCC patient, if a patient is fit for surgery with adequate cardiopulmonary reserve, regardless of ages. Definitive chemoradiotherapy remains the best option for a patient who is not a surgical candidate or declines surgery. On the contrary, owing to doubtful benefits of radiotherapy with potentially more toxicities related to radiotherapy in EGJ AC, either neoadjuvant chemotherapy or peri-operative chemotherapy would be more preferable in an EGJ AC patient. In case of very locally advanced disease (cT4b), the proper management is more challenging. Even though, palliative care is the safe option, multi-modality therapy with curative intent like neoadjuvant chemotherapy with conversion surgery may be worthwhile; however, it should be suggested on case-by-case basis.

Recent progress in chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a common malignancy worldwide. Definitive chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with resectable stage oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma who cannot undergo surgery, as well as those with locally advanced unresectable oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, it has several disadvantages such as poor survival, radiation-related toxicities and severe and lethal complications related to salvage treatment for residual or recurrent disease. Numerous clinical trials on chemoradiotherapy have been conducted to confirm the optimal combination of irradiation and chemotherapy. For advanced disease, multimodal treatment strategies including salvage surgery are essential. Palliative chemoradiotherapy is also crucial for dysphagia in locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma with or without metastatic lesions. Recently, the synergistic mechanism of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy has been reported. Early phase clinical trials suggest that a combination of immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy can improve clinical outcomes with manageable side effects, but further investigations are needed. Here, we reviewed the existing clinical data and current development of chemoradiotherapy combined with immunotherapy in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Consolidation chemotherapy after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter non-inferiority phase III randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCCRT) is the gold standard for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the potential benefits of consolidation chemotherapy after dCCRT in patients with esophageal cancer remain debatable. Prospective randomized controlled trials comparing the outcomes of dCCRT with or without consolidation chemotherapy in patients with ESCC are lacking. In this study, we aim to generate evidence regarding consolidation chemotherapy efficacy in patients with locally advanced, inoperable ESCC.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, prospective, open-label, phase-III randomized controlled trial comparing non-inferiority of dCCRT alone to consolidation chemotherapy following dCCRT. In total, 600 patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either consolidation chemotherapy after dCCRT (Arm A) or dCCRT alone (Arm B). Overall survival will be the primary endpoint, whereas progression-free survival, locoregional progression-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and treatment-related toxicity will be the secondary endpoints.

DISCUSSION

This study aid in further understanding the effects of consolidation chemotherapy after dCCRT in patients with locally advanced, inoperable ESCC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR1800017646.

Current and future on definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for inoperable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive and fatal disease that is usually diagnosed when the chances for surgical intervention has been missed. Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is the first choice of treatment for inoperable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC). Nevertheless, the local recurrence rate for esophageal cancer patients undergoing dCRT remains high at 40-60%, with a 5-year overall survival rate of solely 10-30%. Immunotherapy in combination with dCRT is a promising treatment for inoperable LA-ESCC, for that improved long-term survival is expected. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary trajectory of dCRT for LA-ESCC, delineates notable relevant clinical studies, addresses unresolved concerns regarding the combination of dCRT with immunotherapy, and highlights promising directions for future research. When dCRT is combined with immunotherapy, the following aspects should be carefully explored in the future studies, including the optimal irradiation dose, segmentation scheme, radiotherapy technique, timing, sequence and duration of radiotherapy, and the selection of chemotherapeutic and immunologic drugs. In addition, further investigations on the mechanisms of how dCRT combined with immunotherapy exerts synergistic anti-tumor effects and molecular biomarkers ensuring precise screening of ESCC patients are needed.