... WhatsApp

Immunotherapy Before Surgery Shows Promise for Esophageal Cancer

You are here >> Home > Latest Updates > Esophageal Cancer Updates > Immunotherapy Before…

Immunotherapy Before Surgery Shows Promise for Esophageal Cancer

For patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), treatment usually involves chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Researchers are now studying whether immunotherapy—a treatment that helps the body’s own immune system fight cancer—can improve outcomes when given before surgery.

A new study from China looked at 625 patients treated between 2016 and 2022. Patients received one of three treatment approaches before surgery:
– Chemotherapy alone (NCT)
– Chemotherapy plus radiation (NCRT)
– Chemotherapy plus immunotherapy (NCIT)

The results were striking. Patients who received chemoimmunotherapy (NCIT) had much better survival. After four years, about 91% were still alive, compared with 60–63% for those who received chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

The study also found that patients who continued with adjuvant therapy after surgery did even better, suggesting that combining treatments can further improve survival.

These findings show the potential of immunotherapy as part of a combined approach for esophageal cancer. While more clinical trials are needed to confirm the results, this study suggests that chemoimmunotherapy could become an important option for patients with this type of cancer.

Patients diagnosed with ESCC may want to ask their doctors whether immunotherapy is available as part of their treatment plan or in clinical trials.

Rate this post

Exclusive Health Tips and Updates

Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in Ahmeadbad
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.