Biomarker-targeted therapies for advanced-stage esophageal cancer

Abstract Esophageal cancer is one of the most widespread cancers in the world, mainly divided into esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The etiology of esophageal cancer is more complex compared to other cancers; it is a malignant gastrointestinal tumor with a large number of genetic mutations. In the past two decades, there has been some improvement in the treatment of esophageal cancer, but there is a lack of early cancer screening markers for esophageal cancer, so most patients are diagnosed as advanced stage. Surgical resection is less effective in patients with tumors located in the upper esophagus, and the tumors are highly susceptible to metastasis. Currently, only a few targeted drugs are available for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Therefore, the study of biomarkers and targeted drugs for esophageal cancer will be beneficial for the treatment of the disease. The molecular classification, molecular differentiation, immunology, proteomics, and metabolomics of esophageal cancer have been investigated to identify novel targets for esophageal cancer treatment. Herein, we reviewed the esophageal cancer biomarkers, potential therapeutic targets, and the current drug research progress to provide reference for targeted therapy of esophageal cancer.