Short-term efficacy and safety of camrelizumab-based treatment in refractory or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of camrelizumab in combination with apatinib in the treatment of refractory or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 30 patients with refractory or metastatic ESCC treated with camrelizumab in combination with apatinib at a single institution. The short-term efficacy was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. The safety was evaluated by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events criteria.

Results: Among all the 30 patients, the overall response rate and disease control rate were 8/30 (27%) and 19/30 (63%), respectively. Complete response was achieved in 0/30 (0%), partial response in 8/30 (27%), stable disease in 11/30 (36%), and progressive disease in 11/30 (37%). The median progression-free survival was 3.7 (95% confidence interval: 2.48 - 3.88) months and the median overall survival was not reached.

Conclusion: Our study has shown that camrelizumab in combination with apatinib is a promising therapy for patients with refractory or metastatic ESCC. This combination has a high response rate and favorable clinical safety.