Li J, et al. – Apatinib, an oral VEGFR–2 inhibitor was assessed for its efficacy and safety, as salvage treatment for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Data provided evidence for the efficacy of recommended regimen as second– or further–line treatment for advanced ESCC.

Methods

• The clinicians assessed the efficacy and toxicity in 62 patients with pretreated advanced ESCC from 2014 to 2016 at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, after apatinib dosing.
• Kaplan–Meier method conducted survival analysis.

Results

• 15 achieved partial response while 31 had stable disease with a response rate of 24.2% and a disease control rate of 74.2%, among the 62 patients.
• 115 and 209 days were the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival.
• This study reported acceptable grade 3/4 toxicities (59.7%).
• They observed a longer PFS in patients with grade 3/4 toxicities than those without (136 vs 63 days, P=0.044).