Recurrence Pattern and Prognostic Value of Major Pathological Response in Patients with Locally Advanced Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Neoadjuvant Immunochemotherapy: A Multicentre Retrospective Study

Abstract

Simple Summary Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a common and aggressive cancer with a high risk of recurrence after surgery. New treatments combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery have improved outcomes for some patients, but it remains unclear how to identify those who are most likely to benefit. This study evaluated whether a strong response to preoperative treatment, reflected by major pathological response, could predict long-term outcomes and patterns of cancer recurrence. By analyzing patients from multiple medical centres, we found that patients who achieved this response had longer survival and fewer recurrences after surgery compared with those who did not. These findings suggest that evaluating treatment response may help doctors better predict prognosis and develop more individualized follow-up and treatment strategies.