A case report of immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab combined with anti-angiogenesis agent anlotinib for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION: The PD-1 inhibitors have shown good response in the treatment for many types of malignant tumors, but as monotherapy for advanced esophageal squamous carcinoma, the objective response rate is low. Here we report a case of the patient with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) showing a completely response to nivolumab combined with a small molecule multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) anlotinib. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 61-year-old male was put under a surgery as the response to the diagnosis of ESCC in March 2014. The post-operative follow-up in March 2018 suggested a recurrence based on imagological findings, and symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough were also observed in October 2018. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed as advanced metastatic ESCC in October 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Radical resection and esophagogastrostomy under aortic arch with left thoracotomy was performed in March 2014. As a treatment against the post-surgical recurrence, 4 courses of paclitaxel combined with nedaplatin was administered in April 2018 with an outcome of PR, followed by a combined administration of Nivolumab and anlotinib in November 2018. OUTCOMES: Chest CT during a 3-month follow-up revealed the disappearance of all the metastases, and no adverse effect was observed during the treatment. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment of nivolumab and anlotinib is likely to be considered as an optional management of advanced ESCC.