A study of 803 patients shows esophageal basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (EBSCC) has a similar overall survival to conventional esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) post-surgery, despite unique challenges.

• Only 4.1% of patients had EBSCC; neoadjuvant chemotherapy response was poor—0% pathologic response > grade 2 vs. 27.8% for ESCC.
• Recurrence rates: 33.3% for EBSCC vs. 28.3% for ESCC, with more hematogenous recurrences (82% vs. 27%).

Surgeons should consider EBSCC’s unique recurrence patterns and chemotherapy resistance when planning treatment strategies.