# Anlotinib inhibits esophageal cancer malignancy by ameliorating the immune microenvironment

## TL;DR

Anlotinib, a drug that inhibits VEGFR2, may help treat esophageal cancer by improving the immune environment around the tumor.

## Contribution

This study shows that anlotinib inhibits esophageal cancer and is linked to changes in immune cell infiltration.

## Key findings

- Anlotinib strongly inhibits esophageal cancer in lab and animal models.
- VEGFR2 expression is linked to higher levels of macrophages and dendritic cells in the tumor environment.
- The study suggests VEGFR2 inhibition could be a new strategy for treating esophageal cancer.

## Abstract

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a global health challenge with limited treatment and low efficacy. The role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in EC has attracted significant attention. In this study, we found that anlotinib, an oral VEGFR2 inhibitor, exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on EC in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, VEGFR2 expression was positively correlated with infiltration levels of macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) via comprehensive analysis and molecular experiment. Together, we evaluated the correlations between VEGFR2 expression and immune infiltration and explored the role of anlotinib on EC, providing a potential strategy for the intervention of EC.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12672-026-04457-8.