Multicenter phase 1b trial of neoadjuvant adebrelimab for locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The multicenter phase 1b NATION-1907 trial in China evaluated neoadjuvant adebrelimab (anti-PD-L1) for resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA ESCC). There were no grade 3 of higher adverse events. Of the 30 patients enrolled in the trial, 25 underwent successful resection without delay, and 24% had major pathological responses including a pCR rate of 8%. The 2-year overall survival rate was 92%. The authors conclude that these findings provide a rationale for neoadjuvant anti-PD-L1 monotherapy for patients with resectable LA ESCC.