CD274 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Patients with high expression of PD-L1 had higher pCR rate (100% vs 18%, P = 0.019).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Nivolumab in combination with neoadjuvant CRT is safe for patients with locally advanced ESCC, and may be beneficial in those with high PD-L1 expression.<h4>Clinical trial registration</h4>NCT05130684.