Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery or definitive CRT is the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the clinical outcomes are not satisfactory. Breathomics testing is a promising, non-invasive, simple method for detection and screening for ESCC. This observational study aimed to role of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in predicting the efficacy and risk of recurrence in patients with locally advanced ESCC who received CRT. All patients will receive standard fractionation radiation therapy (RT) scheme: 40-50.4 Gy in 20-28 fractions over 4-6 weeks using intensity-modulated radiotherapy, concurrently with platinum- or taxane-based chemotherapy, with or without PD-1 inhibitors. All patients will undergo esophagectomy 6-8 weeks after the completion of neoadjuvant CRT. Dynamic breathing testing was performed before, during, and after radiotherapy.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery or definitive CRT is the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the clinical outcomes are not satisfactory. Breathomics testing is a promising, non-invasive, simple method for detection and screening for ESCC. This observational study aimed to role of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in predicting the efficacy and risk of recurrence in patients with locally advanced ESCC who received CRT.