Comparison of three paclitaxel-based chemoradiotherapy regimens for locally advanced ESCC

Concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) is the standard nonoperative thearapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Multiple paclitaxel-based CRT-regimens are available. It is not yet clear which regine provides the best prognosis with minimum adverse events. The multicenter randomized phase 3 ESO-Shanghai 2 trial compared three paclitaxel-based definitive CRT regimens for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Paclitaxel plus fluorouracil did not show OS superiority over paclitaxel plus cisplatin of paclitaxel plus carboplatin regimens. Higher rates of hematologic and gastrointestinal toxic effects were reported in the cisplatin group compared with the other two groups (visual abstract).