Pembrolizumab combined with paclitaxel and platinum as induction therapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective, single-center, three-arm study.

Background: Pembrolizumab has been shown to have a powerful benefit for locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer. The aim of present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced and potentially resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods: Patients diagnosed with clinical stage III-IV ESCC and have a chance of resectability at Fujian Provincial Hospital were included into this study.