Immune Checkpoint Blockade and Targeted Therapies in Esophageal Cancer

Advanced esophageal cancer has one of the lowest 5-year survival rates. Historically, treatment options have been limited to cytotoxic chemotherapy but recent trials have established a key role for immune checkpoint inhibitors. Chemotherapy plus nivolumab or pembrolizumab now represents the new standard of care frontline regimen for both esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Advances in targeting HER2 and other molecular targets have also expanded our therapeutic landscape. This article aims to provide an overview of recent advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy for esophageal cancer as well as summarize ongoing clinical trials and future directions.