Efficacy and safety of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy as second-line treatment for locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab in combination with chemotherapy as a second-line treatment for patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this retrospective, single-center observational study, we collected medical records of patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic ESCC who received either camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone as second-line treatment between July 1, 2019, and May 31, 2023. We evaluated short-term efficacy, including overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR), as well as survival outcomes, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Safety was also assessed. Additionally, factors influencing OS in ESCC patients were analyzed. A total of 60 patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic ESCC were included, with 30 receiving camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy and 30 receiving chemotherapy alone as second-line treatment. There were no statistically significant differences in ORR (33.33% vs. 13.33%) and DCR (73.33% vs. 56.67%) between the combination therapy and chemotherapy-alone groups (P > 0.05). However, the median PFS was significantly longer in the combination therapy group compared to the chemotherapy group (4.7 months vs. 3.4 months, P = 0.048). Additionally, the median OS was significantly improved in the combination therapy group compared to the chemotherapy group (11.7 months vs. 6.5 months, P = 0.003). Age and history of radical surgery were significantly associated with OS in patients receiving camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy as second-line treatment (P < 0.05). Second-line treatment with camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy is well-tolerated and associated with favorable oncological outcomes in patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic ESCC. Furthermore, younger patients and those who have undergone radical surgery may derive greater benefit from camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy as a second-line treatment. Camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy as a second-line treatment significantly extended progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to chemotherapy alone. Younger patients and those with a history of radical surgery showed greater benefits from the immunotherapy combined regimen, with significant OS improvement. The combination of camrelizumab and chemotherapy showed a manageable safety profile, with adverse events similar to chemotherapy alone.
Authors: Yinfang Gu, Xiaofang Zou, Junlin Zhu, Guowu Wu
Institution: Meizhou City People's Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
OpenAlex ID: W4407113779