Patients undergoing esophagectomy after chemoradiation had more than double the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to non-surgical non-responders (PFS HR: 2.89, OS HR: 2.97).

• Non-responders receiving surgery achieved OS rates similar to complete responders not undergoing surgery (HR: 1.12).

Surgical intervention is a critical salvage strategy for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who exhibit incomplete response to chemoradiation.