Randomized trial evaluates treatment efficacy in older patients with esophageal cancer, suggesting a feasible option.
Key Points
This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of nimotuzumab combined with S-1 and radiotherapy in older patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Conducted as a prospective, single-center phase II trial.
Included 56 patients aged 75 and older with stage II-IVB esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Primary endpoint was progression-free survival; secondary endpoints included overall survival, objective response rate, and quality of life.
The objective response rate was 89.2%, with 11 complete responses and 39 partial responses.
1-year progression-free survival rate was 67.8% (95% CI: 55.5%, 80.1%) and median progression-free survival was 25.3 months (95% CI: 16.5, 34.1).
1-year overall survival rate was 79.6% (95% CI: 68.8%, 90.4%) with median overall survival of 28.2 months (95% CI: 24.1, 32.3).