Learn about the latest treatments for advanced esophageal cancer. We’ve got it covered, from new FDA approvals to emerging approaches in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, drug combinations, and more.

  • October 10, 2020 

    Novel Developments in the Multimodality Treatment of Esophageal CancerBookmark

    George Lundberg, MD

    A special issue of the research journal Annals of Esophagus curated by Contributing Editor George Lundberg, MD.

    This special issue of an academic research journal discusses “multimodality” treatment—the combination of more than one treatment—and how it is used to treat advanced esophageal cancer.

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  • August 7, 2020 

    FDA Approves Merck’s Keytruda, Foundation Medicine CDx for TMB-High Solid TumorsBookmark

    George Lundberg, MD

    Article from GenomeWeb curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes: 

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug pembrolizumab (brand name Keytruda) for solid tumors based solely on whether they have a high tumor mutational burden—a high number of changes in the DNA of the cancer cells.

    Go to full article published by GenomeWeb.

    If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.

  • December 26, 2019 

    Pembrolizumab Approved for Some Patients with Advanced Esophageal CancerBookmark

    George Lundberg, MD

    Article from the National Cancer Institute curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes: 

    In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pembrolizumab for certain advanced esophageal cancers, depending on testing results. The National Cancer Institute explains here.

    Go to full article published by the National Cancer Institute.

    If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.

  • August 17, 2019 

    Esophageal Cancer—An OverviewBookmark

    George Lundberg, MD

    Curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:

    Esophageal carcinoma is the ninth most frequently diagnosed potentially lethal cancer worldwide, although there is great geographic variation in disease frequency and cell type of origin. This August 2019 treatise from Medscape illustrates all major aspects.

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Emma not only helped me when I first reached out, but she continues to catch up with me and keep up with me. I consider her my friend.

Grace
Anal cancer patient

Molecular tests help match patients to the personalized treatments that are most likely to work for them. Keep up with new developments in genetic tests, tumor mutations, MSI status, other biomarkers, and additional precision-medicine strategies.

Some of the most promising new treatments for advanced esophageal cancer are currently being tested in patients enrolled in clinical trials. We help you stay up to date on the latest results from these studies.

  • August 15, 2020 

    In a First, Proton Therapy Bests Radiotherapy in an RCTBookmark

    George Lundberg, MD

    Article from Medscape curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes: 

    In a clinical trial that compared proton beam therapy with standard radiotherapy for esophageal cancer, the two treatments were found to be virtually identical in terms of progression-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life.

    Go to full news article published by Medscape.

    If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.

  • December 2, 2019 

    Long-term Survival in Esophageal Cancer After Minimally Invasive Compared to Open Esophagectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisBookmark

    George Lundberg, MD

    Research paper from Annals of Surgery curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes: 

    This meta-analysis found that minimally invasive surgery tops open esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

    Go to full paper published in Annals of Surgery.

    If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.

  • December 2, 2019 

    Nivolumab Versus Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Refractory or Intolerant to Previous Chemotherapy (Attraction-3): A Multicentre, Randomised, Open-Label, Phase 3 TrialBookmark

    George Lundberg, MD

    Research paper from The Lancet curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes: 

    In this clinical trial, nivolumab was somewhat superior to chemotherapy for advanced esophageal carcinoma.

    Go to full paper published in The Lancet.

    If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.

  • November 12, 2019 

    Less Invasive Surgery Wins in Esophageal CancerBookmark

    George Lundberg, MD

    Article from MedPage Today curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes: 

    Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer produces similar outcomes with fewer complications than open surgery. A reduction in pulmonary atelectasis may underlie these findings.

    Go to full article published by MedPage Today.

    If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.

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It has been extremely gratifying to see how Cancer Commons has brought clarity and greater access to this expertise through its convening and curation.

Keith Flaherty, MD
Cancer Commons Advisor

Cancer affects many aspects of life, whether you’re newly diagnosed, in the midst of treatment, or in follow-up care. Learn about ways to maintain quality of life, such as palliative care and managing side effects.

  • October 14, 2019 

    Pediatric Palliative Care: A Specialty Comes of Age

    Sarah Friebert, MD

    For a child with cancer, palliative care can provide much-needed relief from stress and symptoms—for the patient and their family alike. Palliative care is given alongside cancer treatment, and is… Read more »

  • February 11, 2020 

    ‘Impressed With Impact’ of Ketamine in Cancer Palliative CareBookmark

    George Lundberg, MD

    Article from Medscape curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes: 

    Depression is, for obvious reasons, common in patients with advanced cancer. The old, inexpensive drug ketamine—already approved for medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—seems rapidly effective, according to small studies.

    Go to full article published by Medscape.

    If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.

  • October 7, 2019 

    Emphasizing Oncogeriatrics

    With: Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti, MD

    A Q&A with Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti, MD, Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom, and Chair of the Young Interest Group of the International… Read more »

  • December 3, 2018 

    Best Uses of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Patients with Cancer

    With: Val Jones, MD

    A Q&A with Val Jones, MD, Medical Director of Admissions, Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Spokane, WA Originally published February 1, 2017 Q: Your principal practice in Spokane, Washington is physical… Read more »

  • September 14, 2018 

    Huge Progress in Palliative Care

    With: Diane E. Meier, MD, FACP

    A Q&A with Diane E. Meier, MD, FACP, Director, Center to Advance Palliative Care; Professor of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY;… Read more »

  • July 23, 2018 

    Cancer Pain and the Opioid Epidemic

    George Lundberg, MD

    A Q&A with Kevin Sevarino, MD, PhD, President-elect of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and Consulting Psychiatrist at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, CT Q: Opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose… Read more »

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You’re not alone. Read how other patients and caregivers navigated diagnosis, treatment, and life with cancer. We hope their stories provide insights and hope for your own cancer journey.

More patient stories.

Learn more about what’s new in advanced cancer research and treatment, including screening and statistics, using artificial intelligence to improve treatment, and other new horizons in cancer care.

The coronavirus pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to cancer patients. We can help you understand how COVID-19 might impact your treatment and other aspects of your cancer care.