Nrf2 and Keap1 abnormalities in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and association with the effect of chemoradiotherapy

Background The Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway is a key antioxidant and redox signaling cascade. Pathway abnormalities enhance the reactive oxygen species scavenging ability of cancer cells; thus the pathway is involved in carcinogenesis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This retrospective study was conducted to examine the status of the Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to analyze its prognostic value in patients receiving CRT.