Optimization of Treatment Strategy for Unresectable cN3 Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Eligible ESCC patients receive a four-cycle regimen of combined chemotherapy plus immunotherapy. Those without disease progression then get definitive radiotherapy with immune maintenance therapy for up to 12 months.

Inclusion criteria

• Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma confirmed through histopathology.
• Distant metastasis excluded by CT, MRI, or PET/CT examinations.
• Locally advanced stage: AJCC/UICC eighth edition staging with any T, N3M0.
• Expected survival time of at least 6 months.
• With an ECOG performance status of 0 to 2. Not accompanied by severe pulmonary hypertension, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, severe chronic heart disease, or other comorbidities that could impact radiotherapy progress.
• Adequate function of major organs: Hematopoietic function: Hemoglobin ≥100g/L, platelets ≥90×109/L, white blood cells ≥4×109/L. Exceptions may be considered for patients with ECOG 0-1 who have a history of chronic anemia (80-100 g/L), previous low white blood cell levels (3-4×109/L), or reduced platelets (80-90×109/L). Liver function: ALT and AST <1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), bilirubin <1.5×ULN. Renal function: Serum creatinine (SCR) ≤140 μmol/L.
• Patients are required to provide informed consent to undergo treatment.

Exclusion criteria

• Existing or prior history of other malignant tumors (except non-melanoma skin cancer) that are uncontrolled or not cured, depending on the type of the primary tumor.
• Lack of histological or cytological diagnosis for esophageal cancer.
• Previous chest radiotherapy.
• Suffering from innate or acquired immune function defects;
• Pregnancy (confirmed by serum or urine β-HCG test) or during the lactation period; History of drug abuse or alcohol dependence; HIV-positive status, including those on antiretroviral treatment; Chronic hepatitis B with viral replication phase; Active phase of hepatitis C; Active syphilis with a history of mental illness that may hinder treatment completion.
• Poor overall health status, defined as KPS < 70 or ECOG > 2.
• Presence of severe comorbidities that could impact radiotherapy progress, including: Unstable angina, congestive heart failure, or myocardial infarction requiring hospitalization within the past 6 months; Acute bacterial or systemic fungal infections; Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other respiratory conditions requiring hospitalization; Hepatic or renal insufficiency; Immunosuppressed patients; Coexisting connective tissue diseases, such as active scleroderma or lupus, which are contraindications to radiotherapy.
• Inability to comprehend the treatment's purpose or unwillingness to sign the treatment consent form.
• Lack of legal capacity or limited legal capacity.