The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (6): 944-951.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2026.06.006

• Oncology: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Heterogeneity of the immune microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and combination immunotherapy strategies

Lifang ZHANG,Hui ZHANG,Kai LI,Hua BIAN()   

  1. Zhang Zhongjing School of Chinese Medicine,Nanyang Institute of Technology; Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation,Nanyang 473004,Henan,China
  • Received:2025-10-24 Online:2026-03-25 Published:2026-03-26
  • Contact: Hua BIAN E-mail:biancrown@163.com

Abstract:

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant tumor with high global incidence and mortality. Its tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is highly heterogeneous, which is a core reason for the varied efficacy and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This article systematically analyzes the multi-dimensional heterogeneity of the ESCC TIME across several aspects: spatial distribution, temporal dynamics, cellular composition, functional states, and molecular expression. To address the mechanisms of this heterogeneity, we focus on innovative and practical combination strategies. These include combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, and novel approaches targeting Tregs, macrophages. These strategies can reshape the TIME, reverse immunosuppression, and convert "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors. Additionally, we emphasize the critical role of biomarker-based individualized treatment strategies in overcoming heterogeneity and improving therapeutic outcomes. This review offers a novel perspective for understanding the complexity of the ESCC immune microenvironment. It also provides a theoretical foundation and direction for developing precise combination immunotherapy regimens in clinical practice.

Key words: esophagus cancer, squamous-cell carcinoma, tumor immune microenvironment heterogeneity, immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, resistance

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