Camrelizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Phase 2 randomized trial (REVO)

Several studies have evaluated PD-1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but comparative data with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remain limited. This multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 2 non-inferiority trial (REVO, NCT05007145) assessed the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus chemotherapy (ICT) versus CRT in patients with resectable, locally advanced ESCC. A total of 104 patients were randomized to ICT (camrelizumab, nab-paclitaxel, cisplatin) or CRT (nab-paclitaxel, cisplatin, radiotherapy). The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR). ICT achieved a pCR rate of 32.7% versus 34.6% with CRT (rate ratio 0.94, 90% CI 0.6–1.49), demonstrating non-inferiority and meeting the pre-specified primary endpoint. Major pathologic response was observed in 42.3% of ICT patients and 57.7% of CRT patients, with R0 resection achieved in 100% of both groups. 1-year disease-free survival was 89.1% versus 78.2%, and 1-year overall survival was 100% versus 92.3% for ICT and CRT, respectively. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 19.2% of ICT patients and 33.3% of CRT patients, and surgical complications were reported in 31.1% and 35.9%, respectively. These findings indicate that ICT is a safe and effective neoadjuvant strategy for resectable ESCC with a more favorable safety profile.