Nimotuzumab plus concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in unresectable locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC): interim analysis from a Phase 3 clinical trial

Background: This prospectively randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase 3 clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety profile of nimotuzumab (nimo) plus concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with unresectable locally advanced ESCC.Methods: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive CCRT plus nimotuzumab or placebo. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). In addition, interim analysis for short-term response rate was pre-defined.Results: A total of 201 patients were randomised into two groups. Eighty patients in the nimo group and eighty-two in the placebo group were evaluable. Three to six months after treatment, 26 (32.5%) patients achieved complete response (CR) in the nimo group, and 10 (12.2%) in the placebo group (P = 0.002). The ORR of the nimo group was significantly higher than the placebo group (93.8% vs. 72.0%, P < 0.001). The two groups' grade 3-5 adverse drug reactions were 11.1% vs. 10.9% (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Nimotuzumab, in combination with chemo-radiotherapy, increased the CRR and ORR with a good safety profile. The OS is needed to be followed and finally analysed.

Automated summary

This prospective randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety profile of nimotuzumab combined with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Results showed that nimotuzumab group had significantly higher complete response rate and overall response rate compared to the placebo group, with similar rates of adverse drug reactions between the two groups.