Advances in the pharmacotherapeutic management of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Introduction Esophageal squamous cancer remains an important cause of mortality worldwide with two new immunotherapy drugs recently approved for metastatic disease. Areas covered The authors review the epidemiology and genomics of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. They also examine prior trials involving targeted agents under investigation as well immunotherapies that have been approved and novel combinations. Expert opinion Great advances have been made in characterizing the molecular changes in esophageal carcinoma. However, relatively few drugs have shown benefit in this disease. Targeted therapies have not shown to improve survival although many of these trials did not explore potential biomarkers. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are now approved for esophageal squamous carcinoma but much more data are needed to understand how these agents may be used in non-metastatic settings. Novel treatments are still required as overall prognosis remains poor.

Automated summary

Esophageal squamous cancer is still a significant cause of mortality worldwide. Recent advancements in understanding molecular changes and approval of immunotherapy drugs have been made, but targeted therapies have shown limited success in improving survival. More data are needed on the use of Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab for non-metastatic settings, as novel treatments are still required due to poor prognosis.