Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone in Esophageal Cancer Patient

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is a disorder of fluid and sodium balance characterized by hypotonic hyponatremia, low plasma osmolality, and increased urine osmolality caused by excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Malignancy is one of the most common causes of SIADH, but SIADH in esophageal carcinoma is very rarely reported. In this case report, a 74-year-old male patient of moderate differentiation of squamous cell esophageal carcinoma had a recurrent electrolyte balance disorder despite repeated corrections. The patient experienced improvement after fluid restriction and drug administration.

Investigative therapy for advanced esophageal cancer using the option for combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy

Aim: Advanced esophageal cancer has limited therapeutic options and a poor outcome. The efficacy of immunotherapy, as the first-line treatment of advanced esophageal cancer, is uncertain. Results: A stage IV advanced esophageal cancer patient received the first-line treatment with a combination of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy. Partial response (PR) was achieved after three cycles, and the efficacy was evaluated as stable after six cycles of immunochemotherapy and two cycles of maintenance monotherapy. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were not obvious. The patient was followed up till November 2019 when he died of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Conclusion: The combination of an immune checkpoint inhibitor and chemotherapy is effective and safe for the initial treatment of advanced esophageal cancer. To confirm the evidence from this case, larger clinical trials are required in the future.