Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy improves long-term outcomes in esophageal cancer.

The study reveals that neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy significantly enhances long-term survival for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous carcinoma, particularly those with stage III disease or suspected lymph node involvement. An analysis of 397 patients showed that while pathologic complete response rates were similar between immunochemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy groups, the former led to better overall survival rates post-esophagectomy. This suggests that neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy, combined with surgery, is an effective treatment strategy.