Videos

This discussion provides a detailed look at the mechanism and clinical evidence supporting tislelizumab in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The discussion explains that tislelizumab is engineered to minimize binding to Fc-gamma receptors on macrophages, a modification intended to reduce the phagocytosis of activated T cells and help sustain a more effective anti-tumor immune response. The segment then reviews key findings from the global Phase 3 RATIONALE-306 trial, in which adding tislelizumab to platinum-based chemotherapy resulted in a statistically significant overall survival improvement compared with chemotherapy alone. The survival advantage was observed in the intent-to-treat population and was greater in tumors expressing PD-L1, with benefit generally seen across the major clinical subgroups included in the study. The safety profile of the tislelizumab combination was consistent with expectations for PD-1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy, with no new or unexpected toxicities reported. Overall, the segment highlights how tislelizumab’s mechanism and clinical performance support its role as an important first-line immunotherapy option in advanced ESCC.

This discussion offers a focused review of two pivotal clinical trials, CheckMate 648 and KEYNOTE-590, that established the value of adding a PD-1 inhibitor to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In CheckMate 648, nivolumab plus chemotherapy produced a meaningful overall survival improvement compared with chemotherapy alone, with the greatest benefit observed in patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 (measured as tumor-cell ≥1%). Similarly, KEYNOTE-590 demonstrated that pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy significantly prolonged overall survival versus chemotherapy alone, particularly in patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥1. Across both studies, median survival in the immunotherapy arms approached or exceeded the one-year mark, reinforcing the clinical impact of these combinations. Safety findings were consistent with known profiles of PD-1 inhibitors and cytotoxic therapy, with no unexpected signals. This segment highlights how these landmark trials have helped define chemo-immunotherapy as a key first-line standard in advanced ESCC.

This discussion provides a focused overview of the pivotal clinical trials that have defined the role of chemo-immunotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The discussion highlights results from CheckMate 648 and KEYNOTE-590, both of which demonstrated that adding a PD-1 inhibitor, nivolumab or pembrolizumab, to platinum-based chemotherapy leads to meaningful improvements in overall survival compared with chemotherapy alone. The magnitude of benefit was greater in patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1, consistent with the biomarker-driven findings reported in each study. The segment also notes that the chemotherapy backbones used in these global trials typically incorporated cisplatin, even though oxaliplatin-based regimens are more commonly used in U.S. clinical practice. Together, these data underscore how CheckMate 648 and KEYNOTE-590 established chemo-immunotherapy as an important first-line standard for advanced ESCC.

This discussion examines the key considerations oncologists weigh when choosing between chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy combined with a PD-1 inhibitor for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The discussion focuses on how clinical judgment, practice patterns, and regional treatment norms influence decision-making, alongside the growing survival evidence supporting chemo-immunotherapy approaches. PD-L1 testing plays an increasingly important role in guiding these choices, with a CPS ≥1 threshold frequently used in clinical trials and real-world practice to help identify patients more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. Patient and tumor specific factors, such as disease burden, performance status, and comorbidities, are highlighted as central to personalizing treatment. The segment also emphasizes how guideline recommendations, including NCCN designations such as Category 1 for select regimens, shape standard practice and support treatment authorization. Together, these insights illustrate how clinicians integrate biomarkers, evidence, and guidelines to determine the most appropriate first-line approach for ESCC.

This discussion examines how clinicians decide between chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy combined with a PD-1 inhibitor in the first-line treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The discussion emphasizes the relevance of PD-L1 expression in informing these choices, while noting that different clinical trials have used different PD-L1 assessment methods and thresholds, such as tumor-cell PD-L1 ≥1% or combined positive score (CPS)–based approaches, to help identify patients most likely to benefit from chemo-immunotherapy. Experts also review guideline-supported first-line options that incorporate PD-1 inhibitors such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or tislelizumab alongside platinum-based chemotherapy. Decisions about whether to add immunotherapy often depend on disease extent, PD-L1 expression level, patient comorbidities, and individual suitability for immunotherapy. Practical considerations, including institutional pathways and insurance requirements, may also influence regimen selection. Overall, the segment provides a realistic view of how clinicians integrate biomarkers, clinical evidence, and guidelines when personalizing first-line therapy for ESCC.

Hinrichs discusses groundbreaking findings on TIL therapy for HPV-related cancers, highlighting long-term disease-free outcomes in patients.

This segment offers an up-to-date overview of current treatment standards and diagnostic practices in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The discussion highlights how first-line therapy for advanced ESCC increasingly combines platinum-based chemotherapy with immunotherapy, specifically PD-1 inhibitors such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and tislelizumab. These regimens, supported by NCCN guideline recommendations, provide new hope for improved outcomes in this challenging disease. Additionally, the segment addresses the vital role of advanced diagnostics in guiding therapy. At the time of diagnosis, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and molecular profiling, including assessment of PD-L1 and MSI status, are now standard practice. This approach ensures patients receive the most effective, personalized treatments. The segment underscores how these modern strategies combine cutting-edge drugs and genetic assessment to shape a dynamic era in ESCC care.

This discussion provides an in-depth overview of the current standard of care for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), with brief parallels to biomarker-driven gastric cancer management. Chemotherapy, most commonly fluoropyrimidine-based regimens combined with a platinum agent such as oxaliplatin or cisplatin, remains the treatment foundation, consistent with NCCN-endorsed approaches. The segment highlights the growing importance of molecular profiling, emphasizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) and immunohistochemistry for key biomarkers. In ESCC and related esophagogastric tumors, PD-L1 and mismatch repair/microsatellite instability status are central to immunotherapy decision-making, while in gastric and GEJ adenocarcinoma HER2 and claudin 18.2 have become critical targets. Experts underscore that timely biomarker testing, ideally completed before treatment initiation, guides selection of chemotherapy backbones, immunotherapy, and targeted agents, as contemporary guidelines increasingly advocate early, comprehensive evaluation. There is also mention of nuances in PD-L1 scoring (CPS vs TAP) and the need for standardized reporting across laboratories. This segment offers a practical framework for integrating testing into advanced ESCC care, with scalable lessons for gastric cancer.

Che-Kai Tsao, MD, MS, discusses the current state of treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

A novel immune-based therapy shows 100% response rates in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, highlighting its potential as a frontline treatment.

Experts discuss the evolving strategies in managing immune-related adverse events in cancer treatment, emphasizing precision immunomedicine and patient history.

Panelists analyze results from an indirect treatment comparison evaluating different combination immunotherapies in advanced melanoma.

Frederick L. Locke, MD, discusses the 2025 removal of the REMS program for CAR T-cell therapy and the resulting improvements to patient access.

Discover evolving strategies for managing immune-related adverse events in cancer immunotherapy, enhancing decision-making for oncologists and practitioners.

Panelists discuss how addressing current knowledge gaps and improving real-world integration of emerging therapies will advance care for patients with EGFR-mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Join the 43rd Annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium in New York City for cutting-edge cancer care education and networking opportunities.

Dr. Strosberg discusses the safety profile and long-term toxicities of 212Pb-DOTAMTATE treatment, highlighting renal issues and achalasia in patients.

Dr. Michael Soulen discusses safety concerns and adverse events in neuroendocrine tumor treatments, highlighting cytopenia and radiation risks while ensuring patient safety.

A panelist discusses how novel bispecifics and ADCs signal a more hopeful future for ES-SCLC management.

Panelists discuss long-term efficacy and safety outcomes from pivotal studies evaluating dual immune checkpoint inhibition in advanced melanoma.

A panelist discusses how lurbinectedin and tarlatamab both remain essential options within evolving treatment strategies.

Chandler H. Park, MD, discusses real-world data for maintenance avelumab in bladder cancer and factors that sway his treatment selection.

Jason S. Starr, DO, discusses the significance of the extrapancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cohort of the phase 3 CABINET trial of cabozantinib.

A novel treatment combining chemotherapy and PRRT shows promising safety and efficacy for neuroendocrine tumors, with high response rates and ongoing trials.

Panelists discuss how dose optimization and personalized adjustment strategies sustain efficacy and enhance long-term outcomes in EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

Panelists discuss how proactive adverse event prevention and patient support improve tolerability and continuity of targeted treatment in EGFR-mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experts explore a novel combined therapy for liver-dominant neuroendocrine tumors, enhancing treatment durability with chemotherapy and PRRT.

Dr. Jonathan Strosberg discusses the promising results of the ALPHAMEDIX-02 trial, evaluating a new therapy for advanced neuroendocrine tumors.

Vivek Subbiah emphasizes tumor-agnostic therapies' potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by targeting genetic biomarkers, ensuring equitable access to precision medicine.

Experts discuss the importance of collaboration in improving surgical standards and treatment outcomes for neuroendocrine tumors through the CUTNETs initiative.