What is the treatment for squamous cell carcinoma in the esophagus?

Introduction: The treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) depends on its etiology. For mucosal cancer, endoscopic resection is standard; while for locally advanced cancer, esophagectomy is the main treatment. When the tumor is more advanced, neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy is added.

Does squamous cell carcinoma respond to chemotherapy?

Systemic chemotherapy is not widely used for treating squamous cell carcinoma. In most cases, the cancer cells are confined to one area of skin and, if detected early, can be effectively addressed with localized treatments, such as surgery.

What is the survival rate for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus?

The 5-year survival rate of people with cancer located only in the esophagus is 47\%. The 5-year survival rate for those with disease that has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes is 25\%. If it has spread to distant parts of the body, the survival rate is 5\%.

What is the success rate of immunotherapy for esophageal cancer?

Researchers found that median overall survival was 9.3 months in the pembrolizumab group compared to 6.7 months in the chemotherapy group. The 12-month overall survival rate was 43 percent in patients taking pembrolizumab compared to 20 percent in those receiving chemotherapy, a two-fold increase.

Is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma curable?

Esophageal cancer or cancer of the food pipe is an aggressive cancer. In most cases, esophageal cancer is a treatable disease, although cure rates are low. Open surgery, during which one or two larger incisions are made.

What is considered early treatment for squamous cell carcinoma?

Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) is used for some early squamous cell cancers, especially in people who can’t have surgery, but is not recommended for larger invasive tumors or those on certain parts of the nose, ears, eyelids, scalp, or legs.

What chemo drugs are used for squamous cell carcinoma?

If squamous cell carcinoma has spread, chemo might be an option, although an immunotherapy drug might be used first. If chemo is used, drugs such as cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) might be options. These drugs are given into a vein (intravenously, or IV), usually once every few weeks.

Is squamous cell carcinoma in esophagus curable?

Esophageal cancer is often in an advanced stage when it is diagnosed. At later stages, esophageal cancer can be treated but rarely can be cured. Taking part in one of the clinical trials being done to improve treatment should be considered.

Can immunotherapy help stage 4 esophageal cancer?

For some people with advanced esophageal cancer, two immunotherapy-based combination therapies are more effective than chemotherapy alone, which is the current standard treatment, according to the results of a large clinical trial.

What is advanced esophageal cancer?

Advanced oesophageal cancer means that a cancer that began in the food pipe (gullet or oesophagus) has spread to another part of the body. Unfortunately advanced cancer can’t usually be cured. But treatment might control it, help symptoms, and improve your quality of life for a while.