Advances in the pharmacotherapeutic management of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal squamous cancer remains an important cause of mortality worldwide with two new immunotherapy drugs recently approved for metastatic disease. AREAS COVERED: The authors review the epidemiology and genomics of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. They also examine prior trials involving targeted agents under investigation as well immunotherapies that have been approved and novel combinations. EXPERT OPINION: Great advances have been made in characterizing the molecular changes in esophageal carcinoma. However, relatively few drugs have shown benefit in this disease. Targeted therapies have not shown to improve survival although many of these trials did not explore potential biomarkers. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are now approved for esophageal squamous carcinoma but much more data are needed to understand how these agents may be used in non-metastatic settings. Novel treatments are still required as overall prognosis remains poor.