Blood Cell Profiles as Predictors of Treatment Response and Outcomes in Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy with Chemotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Report - MDSpire

Blood Cell Profiles as Predictors of Treatment Response and Outcomes in Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy with Chemotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • By

  • Xingqiang Ran

  • Chengcheng Zhang

  • Li Zheng

  • Tao Luo

  • Binwen Xu

  • Yue Zhang

  • Liwen Zhang

  • Bo Yang

  • Maoyong Fu

  • December 11, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Blood Cell Profiles as Predictors of Treatment Response

Overview

This study investigates the predictive value of specific blood parameters, such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) undergoing neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Findings suggest that these blood parameters may serve as indicators of treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Background

Esophageal cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Neoadjuvant therapy, combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy, has emerged as a standard treatment for locally advanced cases. Identifying reliable predictors of treatment response is crucial for optimizing patient management and improving survival rates.

Data Highlights

The study includes findings related to blood parameters and their correlation with treatment response.

Key Findings

  • 91 patients with clinical stage II–IVA ESCC were included in the study.
  • Neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy was administered using sintilimab.
  • Postoperative pathological complete response (PCR) was the primary therapeutic response measured.
  • Indicators such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were explored for their prognostic value.
  • High pretreatment red cell distribution widths correlated with poor survival outcomes.
  • Demographics and clinical characteristics of the patient cohort were recorded.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider the evaluation of peripheral blood cell profiles, such as NLR and PLR, as potential prognostic indicators in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy for ESCC. This could enhance treatment personalization and improve patient outcomes by tailoring therapies based on individual blood profile assessments.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of blood cell profiles in predicting treatment response in ESCC, suggesting a need for further research to validate these findings in clinical practice and explore their integration into treatment protocols.

References

  1. The ASCO Post, 2024 -- Blood Tests Could Help Predict Which Patients With Lymphoma May Respond Poorly to CAR T-Cell Therapy
  2. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- Can Plasma ctDNA Kinetics Predict Response to Systemic Therapy in Advanced NSCLC?
  3. The ASCO Post, 2016 -- Blood Test Can Predict High-Risk Cancers in Patients Treated With CAR-T Related Articles
  4. Blood Cancer Journal, 2025 -- Analysis of Peripheral Blood Immune Cell Characteristics and Their Response to BCMA CAR-T Therapy in Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma
  5. ASCO Esophageal Cancer Guidance Updated to Include Nivolumab, 2026
  6. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without camrelizumab in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: the randomized phase 3 ESCORT-NEO/NCCES01 trial, 2024
  7. Frontiers, 2025 -- Prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with esophagus cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  8. ASCO Esophageal Cancer Guidance Updated to Include Nivolumab
  9. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without camrelizumab in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: the randomized phase 3 ESCORT-NEO/NCCES01 trial | Nature Medicine
  10. Frontiers | Prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with esophagus cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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