Abstract
Predictors of the effects of chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus are reported. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression and low expression of Bax are markers predicting chemoradioresistance, while p21 expression is a marker predicting radiosensitivity. Regarding drugs for molecular targeting therapy for esophageal SCC, Cetuximab (Erbitux), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, and Transtuzumab (Herceptin), HER2 antibody, have been reported, but the effects of these drugs can not be confirmed. Order made therapy for esophageal SCC should be based on confirmation of the predited effects of chemoradiotherapy and administration of drugs and radiation therapy appropriate for the conditions identified in each patient.
