Nimotuzumab plus concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in unresectable locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC): interim analysis from a Phase 3 clinical trial

Background This prospectively randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase 3 clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety profile of nimotuzumab (nimo) plus concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with unresectable locally advanced ESCC. Methods Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive CCRT plus nimotuzumab or placebo. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). In addition, interim analysis for short-term response rate was pre-defined. Results A total of 201 patients were randomised into two groups. Eighty patients in the nimo group and eighty-two in the placebo group were evaluable. Three to six months after treatment, 26 (32.5%) patients achieved complete response (CR) in the nimo group, and 10 (12.2%) in the placebo group ( P = 0.002). The ORR of the nimo group was significantly higher than the placebo group (93.8% vs. 72.0%, P < 0.001). The two groups’ grade 3–5 adverse drug reactions were 11.1% vs. 10.9% ( P > 0.05). Conclusions Nimotuzumab, in combination with chemo-radiotherapy, increased the CRR and ORR with a good safety profile. The OS is needed to be followed and finally analysed. Clinical trial registration NCT02409186.