Serum IgG Level Is A Predicting Factor for the Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy In Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

\n BackgroundDespite the established oncological benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell cancer, not all cases demonstrate benefit. Hence, predicting the response to chemotherapy before treatment is desirable. Some reports have shown that immune factors are related to the chemotherapy response. This study aimed to investigate the utility of serum IgG levels for predicting chemotherapy response.MethodsResponse to chemotherapy and pretreatment serum IgG levels were examined in 77 cases who underwent esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell cancer.ResultsThe effective response group had significantly lower serum IgG levels than the ineffective response group (p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed serum IgG level to be an independent predictor for response to chemotherapy (p = 0.001). Furthermore, cases with effective pathological response had significantly lower pretreatment serum IgG levels than those who did not (p = 0.006).ConclusionsOur finding showed that serum IgG levels can be a predictor of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Trial registrationThis retrospective study was approved by the review board of Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences (reception number: 60-18-0008).