Retrospective review finds higher ORR with salvage DCRT in locally advanced ESCC

This is a retrospective analysis of 91 patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who received definitive chemoradiotherapy (DCRT) either as upfront or salvage therapy across 3 medical centers. The primary outcome was overall objective remission rate (ORR), with secondary outcomes including overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and progression-free survival (PFS).

The main finding was a higher ORR in the salvage group (68.29%) compared with the upfront group (26.00%). However, the p-value was not fully reported (noted as "P "), and no confidence intervals were provided. Survival outcomes (OS, EFS, PFS) were not detailed in the available data.

The authors note a limitation: clinical outcome remained overlooked when compared with upfront DCRT for those returned to DCRT after unsuccessful conversion therapy. Follow-up duration was not reported, and adverse events were not reported. As a retrospective analysis, causal conclusions cannot be drawn.

Practice relevance is not directly addressed, but the findings suggest salvage DCRT may yield higher response rates in this population. Clinicians should interpret these results cautiously given the study design and missing data on survival and safety.