Biomarkers for the prediction of esophageal cancer neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy response: A systemic review

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2021 Nov:167:103466. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103466. Epub 2021 Sep 8.

Abstract

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery has been established as the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer. For patients with complete regression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, active surveillance rather than planned surgery has been proposed as an organ preservation strategy. Reliable biomarkers to predict chemoradiation response is needed. We first summarized the previous reports of biomarkers with the potential to predict the treatment response of esophageal cancer neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. These traditional biomarkers are classified into three groups: genetic biomarkers, RNA biomarkers, and protein biomarkers. We then summarized some special types of biomarkers, including metabolites biomarkers, immune and tumor microenvironment biomarkers, and microbiome biomarkers.

Keywords: Biomarker; Esophageal cancer; Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy; Treatment response.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Chemoradiotherapy
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor