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Immunotherapy in Esophagogastric Cancer: Treatment Landscape, Challenges, and New Directions

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Abstract

Background

Cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract represent a lethal disease entity comprising the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, and stomach. The backbone of therapy in esophagogastric cancers has predominantly been chemotherapy-based. However, over the last decade, with the debut of immune checkpoint inhibitors, sophisticated molecular testing, and a more comprehensive understanding of the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy has been incorporated into the treatment of localized and advanced esophagogastric cancers with promising results.

Purpose

This study aimed to review the unique tumor microenvironment and role of immunotherapy in esophagogastric cancers.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of clinical and translational research for immunotherapy in esophagogastric cancers.

Results

This article will explore the unique tumor microenvironment in gastroesophageal cancers, the role of immunotherapy in localized and advanced disease, challenges in management, and new therapeutic approaches in clinical trials.

Conclusion

With further exploration into targeted therapy and immunotherapy, we anticipate the emergence of novel treatments that will improve survival and quality of life in patients with esophagogastric cancers.

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

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  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA

    Nicole Baranda Balmaceda & Sunnie S. Kim

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All authors contributed to the manuscript. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by N.B.B. and S.S.K. The first draft of the manuscript was written by N.B.B. and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Sunnie S. Kim.

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S.S.K has served on advisory boards for Merck, Eisai, Bristol Myers Squibb,, Daiichi Sankyo and received research funding from Merck.

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Balmaceda, N.B., Kim, S.S. Immunotherapy in Esophagogastric Cancer: Treatment Landscape, Challenges, and New Directions. J Gastrointest Canc 55, 153–167 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12029-023-01000-8

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