Research progress on the compositional characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment and immunopredictive models in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors of the digestive tract, with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as its main histological type. In recent years, immunotherapeutic regimens centered on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved remarkable efficacy in patients with advanced ESCC. However, due to the heterogeneity of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), the degree of clinical benefit varies among patients. This heterogeneity not only affects the biological behavior of tumors but also determines the efficacy and prognosis of immunotherapy. Therefore, exploring the interactions between tumor cells and diverse immunological components inside the TIME in ESCC, as well as how to use ICIs to reshape the TIME, may bring new therapeutic opportunities for ESCC patients. This review looks at the important aspects of TIME and immunological prediction models and explores potential therapeutic strategies targeting both, providing a theoretical basis for improving immunotherapy outcomes in ESCC.