Single-center phase 2 trial of neoadjuvant camrelizumab, chemotherapy, and apatinib for resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

A phase 2 trial at Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, China) evaluated the neoadjuvant combination of camrelizumab, nedaplatin, nab-paclitaxel, and apatinib for resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA ESCC). Grade 3 adverse events were seen in 14.3% of patients. The disease control rate was 100%, and the objective response rate was 83.8% (95% CI 68,6-93.0). All but one patients underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy (all R0 resections); pathologic complete response was seen in 43.9% of patients (95% CI28.5-60.3). The median follow-up was 23 months, and the 2-year overall survival rate was 85.9%. The authors conclude that among patients with resectable LA ESCC, the combination of camrelizumab, nedaplatin, nab-paclitaxel, and apatinib as neoadjuvant therapy had promising activity and acceptable safety.