New molecular and immunologic targets of therapy for esophageal cancer and the prospects for ongoing and future clinical trials

Esophageal cancer is a deadly disease worldwide. Advancements in diagnosis, surgical technique, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have improved survival over the years. While targeted therapy and immunotherapy have significantly impacted survival for patients with advanced disease, they have also been demonstrating efficacy when added to trimodality therapy for locoregional disease. This review focuses on molecular and immunologic targets of therapy for esophageal cancer and the prospects for ongoing and future clinical trials.

Automated summary

Esophageal cancer is a fatal disease globally, and advancements in various treatments have improved patients' survival rates. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have shown efficacy for both advanced and locoregional disease, and this review discusses their molecular and immunologic targets, as well as ongoing and future clinical trials.