Re-challenge with immune checkpoint inhibitors as second-line treatment in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a real-world multicenter retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) rechallenge as second-line therapy in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who had progressed after first-line ICI-based treatment.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study analyzed 171 advanced ESCC patients who progressed after first-line ICI-based therapy and were subsequently re-treated with ICIs between 2021 and 2024. Rechallenge was defined as re-administration of the same or a different ICI agent. Patients were stratified by first-line treatment duration (≥180 vs. <180 days). Primary outcomes included progression-free survival during second-line treatment (PFS2) and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included objective response rate (ORR), disease

SUBMITTER: Li P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12531527 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature