Meta-analysis of phase 2 and 3 studies of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy for esophageal cancer

Dr. Wenhua Liang

Surgery is the mainstay for early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Systematic review and meta-analysis of phase 2 and 3 studies published through April 1, 2022, evaluated neoadjuvant immunotherapy as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy for stage I to IV ESCC/EAC. Among 815 included patients, the therapy resulted in pathological complete response in 31.4% of patients and major pathological response in 48.9%. Incidence of treatment-related severe adverse events with 26.9%. R0 surgical resection was achieved in 98.6%.