Journal: Nature communications
This multicenter, randomized phase 2 trial compared neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus chemotherapy (ICT) versus chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in 104 patients with resectable, locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
The primary endpoint, pathologic complete response (pCR), was achieved in 32.7% with ICT versus 34.6% with CRT, demonstrating non-inferiority. Both groups had 100% R0 resection rates.
One-year outcomes favored ICT, including:
- 89.1% disease-free survival versus 78.2%
- 100% overall survival versus 92.3%
Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events and surgical complications were lower in the ICT group.
Overall, neoadjuvant ICT is a safe and effective alternative to CRT, offering a better safety profile for patients with locally advanced ESCC.