Neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus surgery alone in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a propensity-matched real-world study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The therapeutic value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains uncertain compared to surgery alone (SA), particularly in real-world settings. This study utilized propensity score matching (PSM) to compare survival outcomes between NAC and surgery in a well-balanced ESCC cohort, while assessing pathological complete response (pCR) and prognostic factors to guide clinical decision-making.

Methods

The study conducted a retrospective analysis of 690 patients with locally advanced ESCC (T3-4aN0-3M0) who underwent radical esophagectomy between 2009 and 2019. PSM was employed to balance baseline characteristics, yielding 452 matched patients (135 NAC, 317 SA). NAC consisted of platinum-based doublet regimens

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12682667 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature