Progression in the therapies of relapse or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

doi:10.3760/cma.j.cn371439-20210924-00150

Abstract

Abstract:

Relapse or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Chemotherapy based on platinum agents combined with fluorouracil or taxanes is the standard first-line treatment for it. Molecular-targeting agents, mainly epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors including cetuximab, panitumumab, nimotuzumab and gefitinib, have failed to improve the survival of patients with advanced ESCC. Anlotinib, one of the small molecule multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors, can prolong the median progression free survival in patients treated with above the second line. Compared with chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (including nivolumab, pembrolizumab and camrelizumab) significant improve overall survival times in patients with ESCC who fail to the first line chemotherapy, and can be selected as the standard second line treatment. Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy or anti-angiogenic therapy for first-line treatment of advanced ESCC is also being studied.

Key words: Esophageal neoplasms, Recurrence, Neoplasm metastasis, Drug therapy

Chi Xiuying, Wang Hongbiao, Li Zhifeng, Lin Yingcheng. Progression in the therapies of relapse or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma[J]. Journal of International Oncology, 2021, 48(12): 755-759.

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