Current Treatment Standards and Diagnostic Approaches in Advanced ESC

This segment offers an up-to-date overview of current treatment standards and diagnostic practices in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The discussion highlights how first-line therapy for advanced ESCC increasingly combines platinum-based chemotherapy with immunotherapy, specifically PD-1 inhibitors such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and tislelizumab. These regimens, supported by NCCN guideline recommendations, provide new hope for improved outcomes in this challenging disease. Additionally, the segment addresses the vital role of advanced diagnostics in guiding therapy. At the time of diagnosis, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and molecular profiling, including assessment of PD-L1 and MSI status, are now standard practice. This approach ensures patients receive the most effective, personalized treatments. The segment underscores how these modern strategies combine cutting-edge drugs and genetic assessment to shape a dynamic era in ESCC care.