Review for 10.1186/s12876-021-01816-3 (2021)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
Clinical outcomes of doxorubicin-eluting CalliSpheres® beads-
transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable or recurrent esophageal
carcinoma
Version: 
1 
Date: 
30 Mar 2021
Reviewer's report:
PEER REVIEWER ASSESSMENTS: 
OBJECTIVE - Full research articles: is there a clear objective that addresses one
or several testable research questions? (Brief or other article types: is there a
clear objective?)
Yes - there is a clear objective
DESIGN - Is the current approach (including controls and analysis protocols)
appropriate for the objective?
Yes - the approach is appropriate
EXECUTION - Are the experiments and analyses performed with sufficient
technical rigor to allow confidence in the results?
Yes - experiments and analyses were performed appropriately
STATISTICS - Is the use of statistics in the manuscript appropriate?
Yes - appropriate statistical analyses have been used in the study
INTERPRETATION - Is the current interpretation/discussion of the results
reasonable and not overstated?
Yes - the author's interpretation is reasonable
OVERALL MANUSCRIPT POTENTIAL - Has the author addressed your
concerns sufficiently for you to now recommend the work as a technically sound
contribution? If not, can further revisions be made to make the work technically
sound?
Yes - current version is technically sound
PEER REVIEWER COMMENTS: 
GENERAL COMMENTS: Overall, the authors have responded to the editorial
queries and improved the manuscript. I am overall pleased about the revised
manuscript. My other comments include:
REQUESTED REVISIONS: 
1. Abstract, Conclusion, I would replace the current statement with the
following: "To our knowledge, this is the first study reports outcomes of DEB-
TACE with doxorubicin-loaded CallSpheres bead treatment in the management
of patients with unresectable or recurrent esophageal carcinoma. 
According to
our results, this is a safe and feasible treatment modality that may be considered
among the options for the treatment of these patients."
2. In Results, the number of patients who received previous chemotherapy is
missing.
3. In Conclusion of the main text, please replace the last 2 sentences with the
following: 
"To our knowledge, this is the first such study in the literature. 
According to our
results, DEB-TACE is a safe and feasible treatment alternative that may be
considered among the options for the treatment of these patients. 
Comparative
studies are warranted to further analyze its clinical efficacy".
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
of appropriate controls), and are the conclusions supported by the evidence
presented?
Yes
Are the methods sufficiently described to allow the study to be repeated?
Yes
Is the use of statistics and treatment of uncertainties appropriate?
Yes
Is the presentation of the work clear?
No
Are the images in this manuscript (including electrophoretic gels and blots) free
from apparent manipulation?
Yes