Prognostic impact of lymph node involvement and the extent of lymphadenectomy (LAD) in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG)

Advances in the Surgical Management of Esophageal Cancer

Radical esophagectomy with two or three-field lymphadenectomy remains the mainstay of curative treatment for localized esophageal cancer, often in combination with systemic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. In this article, we describe notable advances in the surgical management of esophageal cancer over the past decade that have led to an improvement in both surgical and oncologic outcomes. In addition, we discuss new approaches to surgical management currently under investigation that have the potential to offer further benefits to appropriately selected patients. These incremental breakthroughs primarily include advances in endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques, perioperative management protocols, as well as the application of local therapies, including surgery, to oligometastatic disease.

History and evidence for state of the art of lymphadenectomy in esophageal cancer surgery

The current curative multimodal treatment of advanced esophageal cancers consists of neoadjuvant or perioperative chemo(radio)therapy followed by a radical surgical resection of the primary tumor and a 2- or 3-field lymphadenectomy. One of the most important predictors of long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients is lymph node involvement. The distribution pattern of lymph node metastases in esophageal cancer is unpredictable and depends on the primary tumor location, histology, T-stage and application of neoadjuvant or perioperative treatment. The optimal extent of the lymphadenectomy remains controversial; there is no global consensus on this topic yet. Some surgeons advocate an aggressive and extended lymph node dissection to remove occult metastatic disease, to optimize oncological outcomes. Others promote a more restricted lymphadenectomy, since the benefit of an extended lymphadenectomy, especially after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, has not been clearly demonstrated, and morbidity may be reduced. In this review, we describe the development of lymphadenectomy, followed by a summary of current evidence for lymphadenectomy in esophageal cancer treatment.

The Prognostic Significance of Lymph Node Ratio for Esophageal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of positive lymph node ratio (LNR) in patients with esophageal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We conducted a systematic search of relevant literature published until April 2022 in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), with corresponding hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The included studies were subgrouped based on age, study area, adjuvant therapy, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of publication bias. We analyzed and discussed the results.

RESULTS

We included 21 studies with 29 cohorts and 11,849 patients. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores of the included studies were no less than six, indicating high research quality. The combined results of HR and 95% CI showed that patients with esophageal cancer with a lower LNR had better OS (HR, 2.58; 95% CI, 2.15-3.11; P < 0.001) and DFS (HR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.85-5.10; P < 0.001). The subgroup analysis suggested that geographic region, age, and adjuvant therapy affected OS. When any cohort was excluded, no significant changes were observed in the pooled HR of the OS group, indicating reliable and robust results. Egger's and Begg's tests showed no potential publication bias in the studies that used OS as an outcome measurement index, indicating reliable results. Sensitivity analyses and assessments of publication bias (<10) were not performed because of an insufficient number of DFS studies.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a lower positive LNR had a higher survival rate, suggesting that positive LNR may be a promising predictor of EC prognosis in esophageal cancer. After radical resection of esophageal cancer, the ratio of the number of dissected lymph nodes to the number of positive lymph nodes in patients with esophageal cancer should be considered to accurately evaluate the prognosis.

Progress of magnetic resonance imaging radiomics in preoperative lymph node diagnosis of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer, also referred to as esophagus cancer, is a prevalent disease in the cardiothoracic field and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in China. Accurately determining the status of lymph nodes is crucial for developing treatment plans, defining the scope of intraoperative lymph node dissection, and ascertaining the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. Recent advances in diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved the effectiveness of MRI for assessing lymph node involvement, making it a beneficial tool for guiding personalized treatment plans for patients with esophageal cancer in a clinical setting. Radiomics is a recently developed imaging technique that transforms radiological image data from regions of interest into high-dimensional feature data that can be analyzed. The features, such as shape, texture, and waveform, are associated with the cancer phenotype and tumor microenvironment. When these features correlate with the clinical disease outcomes, they form the basis for specific and reliable clinical evidence. This study aimed to review the potential clinical applications of MRI-based radiomics in studying the lymph nodes affected by esophageal cancer. The combination of MRI and radiomics is a powerful tool for diagnosing and treating esophageal cancer, enabling a more personalized and effectual approach.

Minimum number of necessary lymph nodes for the accurate staging of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the minimum number of lymph nodes (LNs) necessary for assessing the postoperative staging of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).

METHODS

We extracted the data of patients from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, who were pathologically diagnosed with AEG between 2000 and 2017. We explored the associations between the number of LNs and overall survival (OS) by univariate and multivariate analyses and determined the proper cutoff value of the number of LNs necessary for accurate postoperative staging.

RESULTS

Of the patients with AEG in the SEER database, 2668 met our inclusion criteria. The total number of regional LNs dissected was found to be significantly associated with survival in analyses stratified by T stage. Univariate and multivariate regression showed that age, grade, positive LNs, number of LNs examined, and T stage were independently associated with OS. For patients with T1-2 tumors, the 5-year survival rate was 58.7%, and patients with more than 11 LNs examined obtained a greater survival benefit. Among patients with T3-4 tumors, the 5-year survival rates were 28.9% and 39.7% for those with 1-16 LNs examined and for those with more than 17 LNs examined, respectively.

CONCLUSION

To accurately determine the pathological stage of patients with AEG, no less than 11 LNs must be resected for patients with stage T1-2 disease, and no less than 16 LNs must be resected for patients with stage T3-4 disease.

Perioperative chemotherapy with 5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma: ten years real-life experience from a surgical perspective

PURPOSE

According to the results of FLOT4 trial, perioperative FLOT chemotherapy improved overall survival (OS) in locally advanced, resectable esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (EGA) compared to perioperative ECF/ECX. We report real-life data 10 years after introduction of perioperative FLOT at our institution.

METHODS

Survival of 356 consecutive EGA patients (cT3/4 and/or cN + and/or cM1) who underwent curative surgical resection was retrospectively analysed from a prospective database. A total of 263 patients received preoperative chemotherapy according to FLOT protocol and 93 patients received an epirubicin/platinum/5FU-based regimen (EPF). Propensity score matching (PSM) according to pretretment characteristics was performed to compensate for heterogeneity between groups.

RESULTS

Median OS did not differ between groups (FLOT/EPF 52.1/46.4 months, p = 0.577). After PSM, survival was non-significantly improved after FLOT compared to EPF (median OS not reached/46.4 months, p = 0.156). Perioperative morbidity and mortality did not differ between groups. Histopathologic response rate was 35% after FLOT and 26% after EPF (p = 0.169). R0 resection could be achieved more frequently after FLOT than after EPF (93%/79%, p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Overall survival after perioperative FLOT followed by surgery is comparable to clinical trials. However, collective real-life application of FLOT failed to provide a significant survival benefit compared to EPF. In clinical reality, patient selection is triggered by age, comorbidity, tumor localization, and clinical tumor stage. Yet matched analyses support FLOT4 trial findings.

Impact of examined lymph node number on accurate nodal staging and long-term survival of resected Siewert type II-III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: A large population-based study

Background

We aimed to investigate the association between the number of examined lymph nodes (ELNs) and accurate nodal staging and long-term survival in Siewert type II-III Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction (AEG) by using large population-based databases and determined the optimal ELN number threshold.

Methods

Data on Stage I-III Siewert type II-III AEG patients from 2010 to 2014 respectively from the United States (US) SEER database and a Chinese large medical center institutional registry were analyzed for correlation between the ELN number and stage migration (node negative-to-positive) and overall survival (OS) by using multivariable-adjusted logistic and Cox regression models, respectively. The series of odds ratios (ORs), and hazard ratios (HRs) were fitted with a LOWESS smoother, and the structural breakpoints were determined by Chow test. The selected optimal cut point was then validated with the 2015 to 2016 SEER database.

Results

Both the US cohort(n=1387) and China cohort(n=981) showed significantly increases from node-negative to node-positive disease (OR_theUS1.032,95%CI 1.017–1.046;OR_China1.034,95%CI 1.002–1.065) and enhancements in overall survival (HR_theUS0.970,95%CI 0.961-0.979;HR_China0.960,95%CI 0.940-0.980) with the increasing ELN number after controlling for confounders. Associations for both stage migration and overall survival were still significant in most subgroups’ stratification. Cut point analysis showed a threshold ELN number of 18, which was validated both in the cohorts where it originated and in an independent SEER data cohort(n=379).

Conclusions

More ELNs are associated with accurate nodal staging(negative-to-positive) as well as higher overall survival in resected Siewert types II-III AEG, We recommend 18 ELNs as the optimal cut point for the quality assessment of postoperative lymph node examination or prognostic stratification in clinical practice.

A More Extensive Lymphadenectomy Enhances Survival After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the extent of lymphadenectomy that optimizes staging and survival in patients with locally advanced EAC treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagectomy.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Several studies have found that a more extensive lymphadenectomy leads to better disease-specific survival in patients treated with surgery alone. Few studies, however, have investigated whether this association exists for patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

We examined our prospective database and identified patients with EAC treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagectomy between 1995 and 2017. Overall survival (OS) and DFS were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods, and a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent predictors of OS and DFS. The relationship between the total number of nodes removed and 5-year OS or DFS was plotted using restricted cubic spline functions.

RESULTS

In total, 778 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median number of excised nodes was 21 (interquartile range, 16-27). A lower number of excised lymph nodes was independently associated with worse OS and DFS (OS: hazard ratio, 0.98; confidence interval, 0.97-1.00; P = 0.013; DFS: hazard ratio, 0.99; confidence interval, 0.98-1.00; P = 0.028). Removing 25 to 30 lymph nodes was associated with a 10% risk of missing a positive lymph node. Both OS and DFS improved with up to 20 to 25 lymph nodes removed, regardless of treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal extent of lymphadenectomy to enhance both staging and survival after chemoradiotherapy, regardless of treatment response, is approximately 25 lymph nodes.

Lymph Node Ratio Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Patients with Siewert Type II Adenocarcinoma of Esophagogastric Junction: Results from a 10-Year Follow-up Study

PURPOSE

Emerging evidences suggest that lymph node ratio (LNR), the number of metastatic lymph node (LN) to the total number of dissected lymph nodes (NDLN), may predict survival in multiple types of solid tumor. However, the prognostic role of LNR in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) remains uninvestigated. The present study is intended to determine the prognostic value of LNR in the patients with Siewert type II AEG.

METHODS

A total of 342 patients with Siewert type II AEG who underwent R0 resection were enrolled in this study. The optimal cutoff of LNR was stratified into tertiles using X-tile software. The log-rank test was used to evaluate the survival differences, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the independent prognostic variables.

RESULTS

The optimal cutoff of LNR were classified as LNR = 0, LNR between 0.01 and 0.40, and LNR > 0.41. Patients with high LNR had a shorter 5- and 10-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate (8.5%, 1.4%) compared with those with moderate LNR (20.4%, 4.9%) and low LNR (58.0%, 27.5%) (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that LNR was an independent factor for DSS after adjusting for confounding variables (P < 0.05). Furthermore, after stratification by NDLN between NDLN < 15 group and NDLN ≥ 15 group, the LNR remained a significant predictor for DSS (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

LNR is an independent predictor for DSS in patients with Siewert type II AEG regardless of NDLN. Patients with higher LNR have significantly shorter DSS.

Comparison of short-term outcomes following minimally invasive versus open Sweet esophagectomy for Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction

Background

Surgical resection is still the main treatment option for patients with resectable Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). This retrospective study evaluated the significance of minimally invasive Sweet esophagectomy (MISE) for the treatment of Siewert type II AEG.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 174 patients with Siewert type II AEG who received a Sweet esophagectomy in our center between October 2013 and September 2017. Of these patients, 73 underwent MISE and 101 underwent open Sweet esophagectomy (OSE). The clinicopathologic factors, operational factors and postoperative complications were compared.

Results

The two groups were similar in terms of age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, preoperative staging and incidence of comorbidities (P > 0.05). Relative to the OSE approach, the MISE approach was associated with a significant decrease in surgical blood loss (P < 0.001), chest tube duration (P = 0.003) and postoperative admission duration (P = 0.002). The minimally invasive approach was associated with significantly less total morbidity and fewer respiratory complications than the open approach (P = 0.015 and P = 0.016, respectively). Relative to the open approach, the MISE approach was associated with a significant increase in the number of total lymph nodes removed and the locations of the total lymph nodes removed (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Our MISE technique can be safely and effectively performed for intrathoracic anastomosis with favorable early outcomes.

Prognostic Value of Lymph Node Yield on Overall Survival in Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis determines whether increased lymph node yield improves survival in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy with or without neoadjuvant therapy.

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy involves resection of the esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes, which are commonly the first stations of cancer spread. The extent of lymphadenectomy during esophagectomy remains controversial, with several studies publishing conflicting results, especially in the era of neoadjuvant therapy.

METHODS

An electronic literature search was undertaken using Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane library databases (2000 to 2017). Articles with esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy with lymphadenectomy and investigating the effects of low and high lymph node yield on overall survival and disease-free survival were included. Meta-analysis of data was conducted using a random effects model. If the study divided the cohort into multiple groups based on lymph node yield, survival was compared between the lowest and highest lymph node yield groups. In addition to analysis of the entire cohort, subset analysis of only those patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies were included in this meta-analysis with a follow-up ranging from 15 to 94 months. For the analysis of overall survival, 23 studies were included. A meta-analysis showed that overall survival significantly improved in the high lymph node yield group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.81; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.74-0.87; P < 0.01]. In the 10 studies describing disease-free survival, this was significantly improved in the high lymph node yield group (HR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.62-0.84; P < 0.01). Subset analysis of neoadjuvant-treated patients demonstrated a survival benefit of high lymph node yield on overall survival (HR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.73-0.92; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrates the benefit of an increased lymph node yield from esophagectomy on overall and disease-free survival. In addition, a survival benefit of a high lymph node yield was demonstrated in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy.

Lymph Node Status after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer according to Radiation Field Coverage

Background

To explore the effect of radiation on metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT), we examined the metastatic features of LNs according to their inclusion in the radiation field.

Methods

The patient group included 88 men and 2 women, with a mean age of 61.1±8.1 years, who underwent esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy after nCRT. Dissected LNs were compared in terms of clinical suspicion of metastasis, nodal station, and inclusion in the radiation field.

Results

LN positivity did not differ between LNs that were inside (in-field [IF]) and outside (out-field [OF]) of the radiation field (IF: 40 of 465 [9%], OF: 40 of 420 [10%]; p=0.313). In clinical N+ nodal stations, IF stations had a lower incidence of metastasis than OF stations (IF/cN+: 16 of 142 [11%], OF/cN+: 9/30 [30%]; p=0.010). However, in clinical N- nodal stations, pathological positivity was not affected by whether the nodal stations were included in the radiation field (IF/cN-: 24 of 323 [7%], OF/cN-: 31 of 390 [8%]; p=0.447).

Conclusion

Radiation therapy for nCRT could downstage clinically suspected nodal metastasis. However, such therapy was ineffective when used to treat nodes that were not suspicious for metastasis. Because significant numbers of residual metastases were identified irrespective of coverage by the radiation field, lymphadenectomy should be performed to ensure complete removal of residual nodal metastases after nCRT.

Surgical approach for Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: transthoracic or transabdominal? -a single-center retrospective study

Background

The surgical approach (transthoracic or transabdominal) for patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) still remains controversial.

Methods

Data of patients with Siewert type II AEG were collected in the Guangdong General Hospital from 2004 to 2014 and we compared their clinicopathological outcome and prognosis in regard to the transthoracic (TT) and transabdominal (TA) approach.

Results

A total of 158 patients with Siewert type II AEG were analyzed and our results demonstrated that their overall medium survival was 52 months. Also, their 5-year overall survival rate was 39.1%, which was comparable between the TT and TA group (35.1% vs. 43.2%, P>0.05), while more lymph nodes were dissected in TA group (23.7±0.2 vs. 18.1±0.3, P<0.05), with less postoperative complications (14.3% vs. 28.4%, P<0.05) and shorten hospital stay (12±4 vs. 15±7 d, P<0.05).

Conclusions

For patients with Siewert type II AEG, the TA approach is more suitable to achieve an optimal extent of lymph node dissection, reduction in the incidence of complication, shorten hospital stay, and to promote the recovery.

Influence of the surgical technique on survival in the treatment of carcinomas of the true cardia (Siewert Type II) - Right thoracoabdominal vs. transhiatal-abdominal approach

INTRODUCTION

It is still a matter of debate whether subtotal esophagectomy via a right thoracoabdominal approach (RTA) or extended gastrectomy using a transhiatal-abdominal approach (TH) is the favorable technique in the treatment of Siewert type II esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma (EJA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing RTA or TH for EJA at our institution between 2000 and 2013 were extracted from a prospective database. Of 270 patients 91 (33.7%) underwent RTA and 179 (66.3%) were treated by TH. Differences in baseline characteristics, 30d mortality and complications were investigated using the χ2-test or exact testing. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank testing. Median survival and hazard ratios were calculated and multivariable analysis of predictors was performed using a Cox model. Confounders were balanced using propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

No significant difference between the two procedures was detected regarding overall-survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). 30d mortality rates were 1.1% in the RTA group and 4.5% in the TH group (p = 0.134). Morbidity was 34.1% in the RTA and 24.6% in the TH group (p = 0.006). Cox regression analysis identified age, ASA class and UICC stage as independent prognostic factors for OS. After PSM survival curves (OS + PFS) showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

The present study could not detect a difference between RTA and TH from the oncologic point of view; RTA was not associated with higher 30d mortality. RTA for Siewert Type II EJA is justified whenever the oral tumor margin cannot be safely reached via a transhiatal approach.

Surgical evaluation of lymph nodes in esophageal adenocarcinoma: Standardized approach or personalized medicine?

The extent of lymphadenectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma remains controversial. Outstanding issues include the appropriate technical approach such as transthoracic versus transhiatal, or open versus minimally invasive, both of which have implications on overall lymph node harvest numbers and morbidity. Recent data on the relationship of total number of lymph nodes harvested and oncologic survival have been conflicting, due in part to a likely differential impact of lymphadenectomy on survival based on tumor stage and response to neoadjuvant therapy. While standardizing the extent of lymphadenectomy may be desirable, a more useful approach might be to tailor lymphadenectomy considering the multidimensional impact of surgical technique and multimodal treatment strategy.

Lymph node ratio-based staging system as an alternative to the current TNM staging system to assess outcome in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction after surgical resection

This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of the hypothetical tumor-N-ratio (rN)-metastasis (TrNM) staging system in adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). The clinical data of 387 AEG patients who received surgical resection were retrospectively reviewed. The optimal cut-off point of rN was calculated by the best cut-off approach using log-rank test. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regressions model were applied for univariate and multivariate survival analyses. A TrNM staging system based on rN was proposed. The discriminating ability of each staging was evaluated by using an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and a −2log likelihood. The prediction accuracy of the model was assessed by using the area under the curve (AUC) and the Harrell's C-index. The number of examined lymph nodes (LNs) was correlated with metastatic LNs (r = 0.322, P < 0.001) but not with rN (r = 0.098, P > 0.05). The optimal cut-points of rN were calculated as 0, 0~0.3, 0.3~0.6, and 0.6~1.0. Univariate analysis revealed that pN and rN classifications significantly influenced patients’ RFS and OS (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis adjusted for significant factors revealed that rN was recognized as an independent risk factor. A larger HR, a smaller −2log likelihood and a larger prediction accuracy were obtained for rN and the modified TrNM staging system. Taken together, our study demonstrates that the proposed N-ratio-based TrNM staging system is more reliable than the TNM staging system in evaluating prognosis of AEG patients after curative resection.

The optimal lymph node dissection in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to refine the optimal lymph node dissection in Western patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).

BACKGROUND

Lymphadenectomy is essential in addition to surgery for AEG. Asian studies continually present superior survival rates using a more extended lymphadenectomy compared with results reproduced in the West. Thus, the optimal extend of the lymphadenectomy remains unclear in Western patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort was conducted of patients with AEG from January 1st, 2003 to December 31st, 2011. All patients undergoing curatively intended surgery was included. Two types of resections were constructed; Res1 included patients where only the loco regional lymph nodes were removed (station 1-4, 7 and 9) and Res2 included the additional removal of the more distant stations 8 and/or 11.

RESULTS

We identified 510 patients with AEG. The highest frequency of lymph node metastases was seen in the loco regional stations 1-3, 7 and 9, ranging from 34% to 41.4%. There was no difference in overall survival between the two groups; the median survival rate for Res1 was 30.4 months compared to 24.1 months for Res2 (p = 0.157). Furthermore, the extend of lymph node dissection seemed to have no effect on survival (HR = 1.061, 95%CI 0.84-1.33).

CONCLUSION

No significant difference in survival between the extended and the less extended lymphadenectomy was found. The presence of metastases in distant lymph nodes indicates poor survival and may represent disseminated disease. We do not find evidence that supports an extended lymph node dissection in Western patients.

Pathologic lymph node ratio is a predictor of esophageal carcinoma patient survival: a literature-based pooled analysis

The positive lymph node ratio (LNR) has been suggested as a predictor of survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC). However, existed evidences did not completely agree with each other. We sought to examine whether LNR was associated with overall survival (OS). Electronic database was searched for eligible literatures. The primary outcome was the relationship between LNR and OS, which was presented as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All statistical analyses were performed using STATA 11.0 software. A total of 18 relevant studies which involved 7,664 cases were included. Patients with an LNR of 0.3 or greater had an increased risk of death compared to those with an LNR of less than 0.3(HR = 2.33; 95% CI 2.03-2.68; P<0.01). Similarly, patients with an LNR greater than 0.5 was also associated with a decreased OS(HR = 1.95; 95% CI 1.52-2.50; P<0.01). No publication bias was found. This meta-analysis confirmed that LNR was a significant predictor of survival in patients with EC and should be considered in prognostication.

Optimal treatment for Siewert type II and III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: A retrospective cohort study with long-term follow-up

AIM

To determine the optimal treatment strategy for Siewert type II and III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 83 patients with Siewert type II and III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and calculated both an index of estimated benefit from lymph node dissection for each lymph node (LN) station and a lymph node ratio (LNR: ratio of number of positive lymph nodes to the total number of dissected lymph nodes). We used Cox proportional hazard models to clarify independent poor prognostic factors. The median duration of observation was 73 mo.

RESULTS

Indices of estimated benefit from LN dissection were as follows, in descending order: lymph nodes (LN) along the lesser curvature, 26.5; right paracardial LN, 22.8; left paracardial LN, 11.6; LN along the left gastric artery, 10.6. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 58%. Cox regression analysis revealed that vigorous venous invasion (v2, v3) (HR = 5.99; 95%CI: 1.71-24.90) and LNR of > 0.16 (HR = 4.29, 95%CI: 1.79-10.89) were independent poor prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSION

LN along the lesser curvature, right and left paracardial LN, and LN along the left gastric artery should be dissected in patients with Siewert type II or III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. Patients with vigorous venous invasion and LNR of > 0.16 should be treated with aggressive adjuvant chemotherapy to improve survival outcomes.

Surgical anatomy of the supracarinal esophagus based on a minimally invasive approach: vascular and nervous anatomy and technical steps to resection and lymphadenectomy

Background

During esophageal dissection and lymphadenectomy of the upper mediastinum by thoracoscopy in prone position, we observed a complex anatomy in which we had to resect the esophagus, dissect vessels and nerves, and take down some of these in order to perform a complete lymphadenectomy. In order to improve the quality of the dissection and standardization of the procedure, we describe the surgical anatomy and steps involved in this procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated twenty consecutive and unedited videos of thoracoscopic esophageal resections. We recorded the vascular anatomy of the supracarinal esophagus, lymph node stations and the steps taken in this procedure. The resulting concept was validated in a prospective study including five patients.

Results

Seventy percent of patients in the retrospective study had one right bronchial artery (RBA) and two left bronchial arteries (LBA). The RBA was divided at both sides of the esophagus in 18 patients, with preservation of one LBA or at least one esophageal branch in all cases. Both recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified in 18 patients. All patients in the prospective study had one RBA and two LBA, and in four patients the RBA was divided at both sides of the esophagus and preserved one of the LBA. Lymphadenectomy was performed of stations 4R, 4L, 2R and 2L, with a median of 11 resected lymph nodes. Both recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified in four patients. In three patients, only the left recurrent nerve could be identified. Two patients showed palsy of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and one showed neuropraxia of the left vocal cord.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the upper mediastinum and its anatomical variations is important for standardization of an adequate esophageal resection and paratracheal lymphadenectomy with preservation of any vascularization of the trachea, bronchi and the recurrent laryngeal nerves.

Therapeutic value of lymph node dissection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The optimal extent of lymphadenectomy in patients with esophageal cancer is controversial. This study aimed to examine the therapeutic value of lymph node (LN) dissection for each LN station in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

In 304 patients with ESCC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Efficacy Index (EI) was calculated by multiplying the incidence of metastasis by the 3-year survival rate of patients with positive nodes for each LN station.

RESULTS

Prognosis was better in responders to neoadjuvant chemotherapy than non-responders (3-year survival; 66.3% vs 48.1%, P = 0.0035). The total number of resected LNs did not affect survival although the number of positive LNs did. The number of resected LNs did not correlate with the number of metastatic LNs. Cardiac LN and recurrent nerve LN showed high EI, irrespective of tumor location. EI for each LN station did not vary according to the response to neoadjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that therapeutic value of each LN was not affected by preoperative chemotherapy. The location of resected LNs rather than the total number of resected LNs may be more important to maximize the survival benefit of lymphadenectomy.

Nomogram predicted survival of patients with adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction

Background

The aim of this study is to develop a prognostic nomogram for patients with adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction and compare its predictive accuracy with the traditional tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) malignant staging system.

Methods

Patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (from 1988 to 2011) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University (from 2005 to 2010) were collected retrospectively. Preselected multiple potential interactions were tested irrespective of significance as nomogram parameters. And the Harrell’s C-index was used to estimate the accuracy of the nomogram system. Model validation was performed using bootstrap to quantify our modeling strategy.

Results

In our study, six clinical associated factors (age, sex, depth of invasion, metastasized lymph nodes, examined lymph nodes, histological grade) were evaluated in the nomogram. In the training set, the nomogram exhibited superior discrimination power compared with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM classification (Harrell’s C-index, 0.69 and 0.63, respectively). Calibration of the nomogram predicted survival was similar to the actual overall survival. In the validation set, the discrimination of nomogram was also better than the AJCC TNM staging system (C-index, 0.75 and 0.65, respectively), and the calibration of nomogram predicted survival was within a 10 % margin of actual overall survival.

Conclusions

Based on the patients with adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction from a Western and an Eastern database, the nomogram provided significantly improved discrimination than the traditional AJCC TNM classification and also provided an accurate individualized prediction of the survival.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12957-015-0613-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lymph node retrieval during esophagectomy with and without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: prognostic and therapeutic impact on survival

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to examine the association between total number of resected nodes and survival in patients after esophagectomy with and without nCRT.

BACKGROUND

Most studies concerning the potentially positive effect of extended lymphadenectomy on survival have been performed in patients who underwent surgery alone. As nCRT is known to frequently "sterilize" regional nodes, it is unclear whether extended lymphadenectomy after nCRT is still useful.

METHODS

Patients from the randomized CROSS-trial who completed the entire protocol (ie, surgery alone or chemoradiotherapy + surgery) were included. With Cox regression models, we compared the impact of number of resected nodes as well as resected positive nodes on survival in both groups.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-one patients underwent surgery alone, and 159 patients received multimodality treatment. The median (interquartile range) number of resected nodes was 18 (12-27) and 14 (9-21), with 2 (1-6) and 0 (0-1) resected positive nodes, respectively. Persistent lymph node positivity after nCRT had a greater negative prognostic impact on survival as compared with lymph node positivity after surgery alone. The total number of resected nodes was significantly associated with survival for patients in the surgery-alone arm (hazard ratio per 10 additionally resected nodes, 0.76; P=0.007), but not in the multimodality arm (hazard ratio 1.00; P=0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of resected nodes had a prognostic impact on survival in patients after surgery alone, but its therapeutic value is still controversial. After nCRT, the number of resected nodes was not associated with survival. These data question the indication for maximization of lymphadenectomy after nCRT.

Prognostic significance of lymph node ratio in esophageal cancer

N staging predicting esophageal cancer patient prognosis has been studied. Lymph node ratio, which is considered to show metastatic lymph node status more accurately, is found to have prognostic significance in several tumors. We investigated whether lymph node ratio (LNR) was associated with the prognosis of esophageal cancer in this study. Esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2007 to December 2008 were studied. A total of 209 cases were evaluated in this study. The median disease-free survival (DFS) of this cohort was 35.2 months, and 5-year DFS rate was 32.1%. The median overall survival (OS) was 46.4 months, and 5-year OS rate was 40.0%. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with LNR higher than 0.2 had significantly poorer DFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001) than those with LNR less than 0.2. In a multivariate analysis, LNR was found to be an independent prognostic factor for DFS (p = 0.008, HR 1.863, 95% CI 1.180-2.942) and OS (p = 0.025, HR 1.708, 95% CI 1.068-2.731). N stage (p = 0.028, HR 1.626, 95% CI 1.055-2.506) was also found to be an independent prognostic factors for OS. Subgroups analysis revealed significant difference in OS and DFS rates between different LNR categories within the same N stages (p < 0.05) but not between different N stages within the same LNR category (p > 0.05). LNR was recognized as an independent factor in both OS and DFS in esophageal cancer. Besides, LNR showed a better prognostic value than N stage for esophageal cancer.

Lymph node metastasis and lymphadenectomy of resectable adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction

Based on Siewert classification, adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction (AEGs) have different behaviors of perigastric-mediastinal nodal metastasis. Siewert type I AEGs have higher incidence of mediastinal nodal metastasis than those of type II or III, especially at middle-upper mediastinum. With regard to the necessity of mediastinal lymphadenectomy, theoretically, transthoracic esophagogastrectomy with complete mediastinal lymphadenectomy is suggested for Siewert type I AEGs, while transhiatal total gastrectomy with lower mediastinal and D2 perigastric lymphadenectomy is a standard surgery for type II-III AEGs. Nevertheless, the mediastinal nodal metastasis is an independent factor of poor prognosis for any type of AEG.

Prognostic value of histopathological regression in 850 neoadjuvantly treated oesophagogastric adenocarcinomas

Background:

Recently, histopathological tumour regression, prevalence of signet ring cells, and localisation were reported as prognostic factors in neoadjuvantly treated oesophagogastric (junctional and gastric) cancer. This exploratory retrospective study analyses independent prognostic factors within a large patient cohort after preoperative chemotherapy including clinical and histopathological factors.

Methods:

In all, 850 patients presenting with oesophagogastric cancer staged cT3/4 Nany cM0/x were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by resection in two academic centres. Patient data were documented in a prospective database and retrospectively analysed.

Results:

Of all factors prognostic on univariate analysis, only clinical response, complications, ypTNM stage, and R category were independently prognostic (P<0.01) on multivariate analysis. Tumour localisation and signet ring cells were independently prognostic only when investigator-dependent clinical response evaluation was excluded from the multivariate model. Histopathological tumour regression correlates with tumour grading, Laurén classification, clinical response, ypT, ypN, and R categories but was not identified as an independent prognostic factor. Within R0-resected patients only surgical complications and ypTNM stage were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions:

Only established prognostic factors like ypTNM stage, R category, and complications were identified as independent prognostic factors in resected patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In contrast, histopathological tumour regression was not found as an independent prognostic marker.