Prognostic analysis of salvage esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: the importance of lymphadenectomy

Thoracoscopic salvage esophagectomy with prophylactic mediastinal lymph node dissection after definitive chemoradiotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Salvage esophagectomy for residual tumor and localized relapses after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) for patients with esophageal cancer is associated with a high rate of postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality. In addition, there are many controversial issues associated with salvage esophagectomy, such as the acceptability of minimally invasive surgery and the need for prophylactic dissection of mediastinal lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and usefulness of thoracoscopic salvage esophagectomy with prophylactic mediastinal lymph node dissection.

METHODS

The study included 31 patients who underwent thoracoscopic salvage esophagectomy with prophylactic mediastinal lymph node dissection after dCRT between 2013 and 2022 (salvage patients) and 610 nonsalvage patients who underwent conventional thoracoscopic esophagectomy during the same time period.

RESULTS

Differences between the median ages and sexes of the 2 patient groups were not significant. The dominant location of tumors in the salvage patients was the upper thoracic esophagus. More salvage patients had clinical T4 disease. The salvage patients had a lower median number of retrieved mediastinal lymph nodes than the nonsalvage patients. The differences between the rates of R0, postoperative complications, and in-hospital deaths in the 2 patient groups were not significant. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rates for the salvage patients were 73%, with 3-year OS rates for R0 vs non-R0 of 81% vs 0%, p < 0.01 and pN0 vs pN1-3 of 89% vs 49%, p < 0.01.

CONCLUSION

Regarding short-term outcomes, prophylactic mediastinal lymph node dissection for patients undergoing thoracoscopic salvage esophagectomy was as safe as prophylactic dissection for patients undergoing conventional thoracoscopic esophagectomy. R0 surgery and pN0 are important factors for long-term survival in patients undergoing thoracoscopic salvage esophagectomy.

Treatment Outcomes and Risk Factors for Incomplete Treatment after Definitive Chemoradiotherapy for Non-Resectable or Metastatic Esophageal Cancer

Among patients with unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer who receive definitive chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, the rates of treatment-related adverse events and incomplete treatment remain high. We conducted this study to investigate survival after definitive treatments and identify predicting factors for incomplete treatment. The data of patients who received definitive chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer were retrospectively examined. The patients were assigned to Group 1: incomplete definitive treatment; Group 2: complete definitive treatment; or Group 3: complete definitive treatment with additional salvage surgery. The data of 273 patients (90, 166, and 17 in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively) were analyzed. In the survival analysis, the median overall survival of Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 2.6, 10.3, and 29.5 months, respectively. A significant difference in 3-year overall survival was observed among the groups (2.2%, 12.4%, and 48.5%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, the independent risk factors for incomplete definitive treatment included poor performance score (hazard ratio (HR): 5.23, p = 0.001), bone metastasis (HR: 2.18, p = 0.024), airway invasion (HR: 2.90, p = 0.001), and liver cirrhosis (HR: 3.20, p = 0.026). Incomplete definitive treatment is associated with a far worse prognosis. Poor performance, bone metastasis, airway invasion, and liver cirrhosis are risk factors for incomplete treatment.

Combination of photodynamic therapy and endoscopic mucosal resection for recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was developed for residual or recurrent esophageal cancer after radiotherapy. Here, we report a case of successful treatment of highly elevated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) that recurred after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) using PDT combined with endoscopic resection (ER). An 86-year-old man was found to have an ESCC in the mid-thoracic esophagus. One year and two months after dCRT, a local recurrence was seen. The recurrent ESCC had a highly elevated component. The ESCC was estimated to have invaded the deep submucosa at the highly elevated component. PDT was selected as a treatment option since no lymph node or distant metastases were found. However, there was concern that the laser would not be able to penetrate deep into the ESCC due to its high elevated component. Therefore, ER was performed to remove the highly elevated component, and PDT was performed later. However, after the ER, the circumference of the recurrent ESCC was found to be approximately half the circumference, and post-PDT stenosis was also a concern due to the wide circumference of the ESCC. Therefore, we limited the area of laser irradiation in one session of PDT. Four sessions of PDT were needed over 13 months, but a local complete response was achieved without adverse events.

Recurrent metastasis risk factors in esophageal cancer after salvage endoscopic resection for local failure following chemoradiotherapy

OBJECTIVES

Although salvage endoscopic resection is an optimal treatment for local failure after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, recurrent metastasis (lymph node and/or distant metastasis) after salvage endoscopic resection may occur with a certain degree of unavoidable frequency and is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the risk factors for recurrent metastasis are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for recurrent metastasis after salvage endoscopic resection.

METHODS

Patients who underwent salvage endoscopic resection for local failure after chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy were analyzed in this single-center, retrospective study. We evaluated the cumulative incidence rates of recurrent metastases, overall survival, and the risk factors for recurrent metastasis after salvage endoscopic resection.

RESULTS

We analyzed 132 patients. The 5-year cumulative incidence rate of recurrent metastases after salvage endoscopic resection was 25.7%. The 5-year overall survival rates in all patients and in patients with recurrent metastasis were 66.8% and 22.5%, respectively. Local failure pattern with a residual lesion after chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy (subdistribution hazard ratio 2.34; P = 0.012) and the presence of lymphatic invasion in salvage endoscopic resection specimen (subdistribution hazard ratio 3.20; P = 0.002) were significant risk factors for recurrent metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with local failure pattern with a residual lesion after chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy and presence of lymphatic invasion have a high risk for recurrent metastasis. Thus, appropriate surveillance for these patients should be considered.

Selective Lymphadenectomy for Salvage Esophagectomy in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Extensive lymph node dissection increases the risk of postoperative complications, especially in salvage surgery, after definitive chemoradiotherapy (≥ 50 Gy) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the outcomes of salvage esophagectomy with selective lymphadenectomy of only clinically positive lymph nodes.

METHODS

Clinically positive lymph nodes, diagnosed as metastases using computed and positron emission tomography performed before chemoradiotherapy or salvage surgery, were targeted for dissection in selective lymphadenectomy. We compared postoperative complications between 52 patients who underwent salvage esophagectomy with selective lymphadenectomy and 207 controls who underwent nonsalvage esophagectomy with 3-field lymphadenectomy. We also analyzed postoperative recurrence pattern and survival in salvage group.

RESULTS

The mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 12.9 in the salvage esophagectomy group compared with 48.1 in the 3-field lymphadenectomy group (p < 0.001). Differences in the number of postoperative complications, comparing Clavien-Dindo all-grade and ≥ grade 3, were not significant between the groups. Both 30- and 90-day mortality were 0% (0/52) in the salvage group. Five cases had recurrence only in the locoregional area without distant metastasis. Of these five cases, only one had recurrence in the subcarinal lymph node without prophylactic mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A 3-year recurrence-free survival and 3-year overall survival from salvage esophagectomy were 43.3% and 46.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

It may contribute to obtaining good short- and long-term outcomes by dissecting only clinically positive lymph nodes in salvage esophagectomy.

Salvage treatment after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) for the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is performed for patients with cT4 disease without distant metastasis and also for those with cStage I-III who are unable to tolerate or who refuse surgery. The rates of clinical complete response (cCR) after dCRT differ depending on the cStage, and patients who once achieved cCR frequently experience tumor recurrence. For those with residual tumor or with recurrence, salvage treatment is performed to achieve a cure. Several procedures have been reported as salvage treatments. Salvage esophagectomy is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, but can offer long-term survival. With R0 resection, with cCR to dCRT, pulmonary complications appear to be important prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS). Lymphadenectomy is performed for the patients with lymph node metastasis without recurrence of primary lesions or distant metastasis, but the contribution to long-term OS is unclear. Metastasectomy is performed when distant metastasis is limited to the lung and there are few lesions, possibly contributing to long-term OS. Endoscopic resection and photodynamic therapy are indicated for cT1a and cT1-2 residual or recurrent tumors, respectively, and can yield favorable outcomes. Re-CRT and re-radiotherapy are performed for the patients with contraindications for surgery, but neither appears to contribute to long-term OS despite high incidences of esophageal fistula and perforation.

Management of Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

Management of locally advanced esophageal cancer is evolving. Trimodality therapy with chemoradiation followed by surgical resection has become the standard of care. However, the value of planned surgery after response to therapy is in question. In this article, we discuss the current practice principles and evidence for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer. Topics will include various neoadjuvant therapies, trimodality versus bimodality therapy, and outcomes for salvage esophagectomies. In addition, emerging novel therapies, such as HER2 inhibitors and immunotherapy, are available for unresectable or metastatic disease, enabling a greater armamentarium of tumor biology-specific treatments.

Association of preoperative inflammation-based prognostic score with survival in patients undergoing salvage esophagectomy

Salvage esophagectomy (SALV) is potentially beneficial for patients with residual or relapsed esophageal carcinoma after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT), although preoperatively identifying good candidates for SALV remains difficult. We investigated the prognostic impacts of inflammatory and nutritional status in patients undergoing SALV after dCRT. Forty-seven SALV patients were retrospectively reviewed, of whom 46 (98%) had squamous cell carcinoma and 1 (2%) adenocarcinoma. Possible prognostic factors included patients' demographic data, physical status, blood chemistry profiles, and clinical/pathological tumor features. The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) was derived from preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin values. Thirty (64%), 11 (23%), and 6 (13%) patients were classified into the GPS 0, 1, and 2, respectively, groups. None of the possible prognostic factors showed significant correlations with GPS. Patients with GPS 0 had better outcomes than those with GPS 1 or GPS 2 (Median survivals: 37.8, 15.9, and 5.1 months, respectively, P < 0.001). In the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, GPS 1 (HR 5.62, 95% CI 1.94-16.4, P = 0.002), GPS 2 (HR 9.10, 95% CI 2.60-31.8, P < 0.001), R1/2 resection (HR 16.3, 95% CI 3.62-86.7, P < 0.001) and incomplete response to dCRT (HR 3.53, 95% CI 1.12-12.5, P = 0.03) were all independent risk factors for a poor outcome. Preoperative GPS is potentially useful for predicting outcomes in esophageal cancer patients undergoing SALV.

The management of mid & proximal oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Despite the rise in incidence of adenocarcinoma, squamous cell cancer of the oesophagus remains the commonest cell type worldwide and is predominant in the East. Except for very early tumours where endoscopic therapy can be performed with curative intent, in more advanced but potentially curative cancers, treatment for mid and upper third tumours is primarily surgery with extended lymphadenectomy, together with multimodal therapies such as preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Definitive chemoradiotherapy is utilized in those who decline surgery or in those who are unfit for major procedures. For cervical oesophageal cancer, the anatomical proximity to the larynx influences the choice of treatment and surgical options. Definitive chemoradiation with the aim of laryngeal preservation has become the treatment of choice; long-term prognosis is believed to be comparable to radical pharyngo-laryngo-oesophagectomy. Selected patients with residual disease or disease recurrence can consider salvage surgery. The decision to operate is a major undertaking as salvage surgery carries high morbidity and even mortality risks. Careful patient selection, choice of treatment, meticulous operative technique and postoperative care are the cornerstones of success.

A meta-analysis on salvage surgery as a potentially curative procedure in patients with isolated local recurrent or persistent esophageal cancer after chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Isolated local recurrent or persistent esophageal cancer (EC) after curative intended definitive (dCRT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) with initially omitted surgery, is a potential indication for salvage surgery. We aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of salvage surgery in these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was performed using databases of PubMed/Medline. All included studies were performed in patients with persistent or recurrent EC after initial treatment with dCRT or nCRT, between 2007 and 2017. Survival analysis was performed with an inverse-variance weighting method.

RESULTS

Of the 278 identified studies, 28 were eligible, including a total of 1076 patients. Postoperative complications after salvage esophagectomy were significantly more common among patients with isolated persistent than in those with locoregional recurrent EC, including respiratory (36.6% versus 22.7%; difference in proportion 10.9 with 95% confidence interval (CI) [3.1; 18.7]) and cardiovascular complications (10.4% versus 4.5%; difference in proportion 5.9 with 95% CI [1.5; 10.2]). The pooled estimated 30- and 90-day mortality was 2.6% [1.6; 3.6] and 8.0% [6.3; 9.8], respectively. The pooled estimated 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 39.0% (95% CI: [35.8; 42.2]) and 19.4% [95% CI:16.5; 22.4], respectively. Patients with isolated persistent or recurrent EC after initial CRT had similar 5-year OS (14.0% versus 19.7%, difference in proportion -5.7, 95% CI [-13.7; 2.3]).

CONCLUSIONS

Salvage surgery is a potentially curative procedure in patients with locally recurrent or persistent esophageal cancer and can be performed safely after definitive or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy when surgery was initially omitted.

Minimally Invasive Salvage Operations for Esophageal Cancer after Definitive Chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Because salvage surgery after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer is associated with high postoperative mortality and morbidity, minimally invasive methods are desirable. We analyzed the validity of minimally invasive salvage operations (MISO).

METHODS

Twenty-five patients underwent salvage operation between 2010 and 2016 in our institution, 10 having undergone right transthoracic salvage esophagectomy (TTSE group), 6 transhiatal salvage esophagectomy (THSE), 6 salvage lymphadenectomy (SLA), and 3 salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection (SESD). Patients who had undergone THSE, SLA, or SESD were categorized as the MISO group. Short- and long-term outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the SLA groups than in the TTSE group (p = 0.0248). Blood loss was significantly less in the SLA than the TTSE group (p = 0.0340). Intensive care unit stay was shorter in the THSE than the TTSE group (p = 0.0412). There was no significant difference in postoperative mortality between the MISO and THSE groups. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the SLA than the TTSE group (p = 0.0061). Patients' survivals did not differ significantly between the MISO and TTSE groups (p = 0.752). Multivariate analysis revealed that residual disease (R0; HR 4.872, 95% CI 1.387-17.110, p = 0.013) was the only independent factor influencing overall survival.

CONCLUSION

MISO is preferable because short-term outcomes are better and long-term outcomes do not differ from those of TTSE.

Residual carcinoma cells after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients: striving toward appropriate judgment of biopsy

In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who are treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), identification of the presence or absence of residual or recurrent carcinoma is usually pivotal in their clinical management. In addition, the extent of carcinoma invasion into the esophageal wall could determine the clinical outcome of these patients following CRT. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the response to CRT both macroscopically and histologically in a consecutive series of 42 ESCC patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy following curative esophageal resection at Tohoku University Hospital between August 2011 and December 2012. The histological grading of tumor regression was as follows: grade 3, markedly effective (no viable residual tumor cells); grade 2, moderately effective (residual tumor cells in less than one-third of the tumor); grade 1, slightly effective (1b, residual tumor cells in one-third to two-thirds of the tumor; 1a, residual tumor cells in more than two-thirds of the tumor); and grade 0, ineffective. In this study, we selected grade 2 and 1b cases because they might show a complete response with definitive CRT. We evaluated the presence of any residual in situ lesions and tumor depth in detail. The grading of tumor regression in primary sites was as follows: grade 3 (7 cases), grade 2 (16 cases), grade 1b (13 cases), and grade 1a (6 cases). The concordance rate between macroscopic and histopathological evaluation on the depth of the tumor was 40% (17/42). Among 29 cases (grade 2 and grade 1b), intraepithelial lesions were not detected in 17 cases, and tumor nests were not detected in the lamina propria mucosae in 9 cases. The results of this study highlight the difficulties of detecting residual carcinoma cells using conventional endoscopic biopsy in patients who have received CRT. Therefore, when residual cancer is clinically suspected in patients who have received CRT, the biopsy specimen should be obtained from the deep layer of the esophagus whenever possible. Additionally, close follow-up is required using positron emission tomography/computed tomography, endoscopy, and other radiological evaluations.

Long-term outcome after resection for recurrent oesophageal cancer

Background

The efficacy of surgical resection for lymph node (LN) or distant recurrence of oesophageal cancer has not been sufficiently investigated. The objective of this study was to reveal appropriate indications for a surgical approach.

Methods

A total of 42 patients who underwent resection for recurrent or residual oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma after surgery or definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) between April 2004 and August 2016 were identified. These resections did not include salvage oesophagectomy. The long-term outcomes of these patients were retrospectively analysed.

Results

Thirty-three patients underwent LN resection, 6 patients underwent lung resection, and 3 patients underwent resection for other recurrent tumours. The 5-year overall survival (OS) of patients who underwent salvage abdominal lymphadenectomy after dCRT was significantly better than that of patients who underwent salvage cervical or mediastinal lymphadenectomy (46.9% vs. 0.0%, P=0.006). The 5-year OS of patients who underwent salvage resection for LNs outside the radiation field was significantly better than that of patients who underwent resection inside the radiation field (47.6% vs. 8.9%, P=0.027). The 5-year OS of patients who underwent salvage resection for recurrent LNs was significantly better than that of patients who underwent salvage resection for residual LNs (21.7% vs. 0.0%, P<0.001). Among the 42 patients, 9 survived more than 3 years: 4 after salvage abdominal lymphadenectomy, 3 after resection for solitary lung recurrence, and 2 others.

Conclusions

The use of the appropriate surgical approach might improve the prognosis of patients with abdominal LN recurrence, LN recurrence outside the radiation field, or a solitary lung recurrence of oesophageal cancer.

Salvage Surgery for Esophageal Cancer: How to Improve Outcomes?

BACKGROUND

Locoregional recurrence rates after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) for locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC) are high. Salvage surgery (SALV) is considered the best treatment option in case of persistent or recurrent disease for operable patients, but SALV has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify factors linked to outcomes after SALV to better select candidates and to optimize perioperative care.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively analyzed data from 308 consecutive SALV patients from a large multicenter European cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with in-hospital postoperative morbidity, anastomotic leakage (AL), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The in-hospital postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 8.4 and 34.7%, respectively. Squamous cell histology (p = 0.040) and radiation dose ≥ 55 Gy (p = 0.047) were independently associated with major morbidity. The AL rate was 12.7%, and cervical anastomosis was independently associated with AL (p = 0.002). OS at 5 years was 34.0%. Radiation dose ≥ 55 Gy (p = 0.003), occurrence of postoperative complications (p = 0.006), ypTNM stage 3 (p = 0.019), and positive surgical margins (p < 0.001) were linked to poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

SALV is a valuable option for patients with persistent or recurrent disease after dCRT and offers long-term survival. Factors such as radiation dose and anastomosis location identified here will help to optimize outcomes after SALV, which may be considered a standard treatment in the EC therapeutic armamentarium.

Salvage esophagectomy after failure of definitive radiochemotherapy for esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Definitive radiochemotherapy (dRCT) in locally advanced esophageal cancer is associated with a high rate of loco-regional recurrence. In this condition, salvage esophagectomy may be considered as a therapeutic option. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the feasibility and the morbi-mortality of this strategy.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and April 2014, 208 patients underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at ULB-Erasme-Bordet. Thirty-two patients received a preoperative radiochemotherapy (pRCT) followed by planned esophagectomy (Group 1) for locally advanced disease. Sixteen patients underwent salvage esophagectomy for recurrence or failure after dRCT (Group 2). Data on post-operative morbidity and mortality and survival were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

An increase of overall morbidity was detected in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 (43% vs. 37.5%), mainly related to respiratory complications (35.5% vs. 28%) and anastomotic leak (25% vs. 3%). No 90-days mortality was observed in the two surgical groups. The 1, 2, and 3-year survival rates after surgery were respectively 89%, 80%, and 71% for Group1 and 84%, 73%, and 63% for Group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, both salvage esophagectomy and esophagectomy after pRCT showed good survival results with low postoperative morbidity and mortality. Salvage surgery remains a therapeutic indication in selected patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:833-837. © 2016 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Salvage Esophagectomy After Definitive Chemoradiotherapy for Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Who Really Benefits from this High-Risk Surgery?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to identify good candidates for salvage esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT), based on safety and survival.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients who underwent salvage esophagectomy, after dCRT, at the Cancer Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, between 1988 and 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. Short-term outcomes were evaluated by reviewing postoperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, and mortality. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and statistical significance was determined using the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to R0 resection.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications occurred in 41 patients (65.1 %), and the mortality rate was 7.9 %. In-hospital deaths did not occur among patients with less advanced tumors prior to dCRT (cT1-2 and cN0), or among those who had previously achieved a complete response (CR); the 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 29.8 % and 15.0 %, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that residual disease, tumor depth, dCRT response, lymph node metastasis, and time to relapse were significant factors affecting overall survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that R0 resection and ypT0-2 tumors were significant, favorable prognostic factors in patients undergoing salvage esophagectomy. In addition, cT1-2 tumors, initially resectable tumors, ycT1-2 tumors, and relapse after CR were factors predicting R0 resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on both short- and long-term outcomes, patients with pretreatment or preoperative T1-2 tumors and those with relapse after CR are good candidates for salvage esophagectomy.

[Salvage surgery in esophageal cancer : Feasibility in patients after definitive radiochemotherapy (> 50 Gy)]

BACKGROUND

Salvage surgery as an additional therapy option is currently discussed for an increasing number of patients with esophageal cancer after definitive radio(chemo)therapy after tumor progression, recurrence or on explicit request of the patient.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was an analysis of the surgical option of salvage esophagectomy after definitive radiation in patients with esophageal cancer. Additionally the current literature on this topic was evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 92 patients with esophageal cancer from a prospective database were included in this study who underwent esophagectomy either after neoadjuvant radio(chemo)therapy (< 50 Gy) or definitive radio(chemo)therapy (> 50 Gy) between 2002 and 2012. The analysis was performed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The median survival of the two groups of patients was not significantly different after initial diagnosis with 24.2 months (95 % CI 0.0-51.93) for patients undergoing definitive radio(chemo)therapy and 30.7 months (95 % CI 9.3-52.2) for patients after neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.96). Both patient groups showed no differences in pretherapeutic characteristics and response to radio(chemo)therapy. Postoperative complications and perioperative mortality were not different.

DISCUSSION

Salvage esophagectomy is now an additional treatment option after definitive radio(chemo)therapy in patients with esophageal cancer. In preselected patients with tumor recurrence, progression or with a strong wish for surgical therapy, salvage surgery should be discussed in interdisciplinary tumor boards after exclusion of distant metastases.

Phase I/II study of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil combination chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer

PURPOSE

This phase I/II study was aimed to determine the recommended dose (RD) of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil as combination chemoradiotherapy (DCF-RT) for patients with esophageal cancer and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this protocol.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with esophageal cancer enrolled in this dose escalation study to determine the RD for a phase III trial. Efficacy and toxicity in DCF-RT of RD were evaluated in 37 patients with esophageal cancer.

RESULTS

The RD for DCF-RT for esophageal cancer in the present study was 50 mg/m(2) docetaxel plus 60 mg/m(2) cisplatin on day 1 and day 29 plus 600 mg/m(2) 5-FU on days 1-4 and days 29-32 and concurrent radiation of 60 Gy/30 fractions/6 weeks. The main toxicities were myelotoxicity and radiation esophagitis. In this phase I/II study, we could have safety and feasibility by RD, because there was low mortality and most toxicities were manageable level. The complete response (CR) rate and response rate were 54.1 and 83.8 %, respectively, in the phase II study. In patients with a classification of clinical T4, the CR rate and response rate were 47.6 and 85.7 %, respectively. The 2-year overall survival rate, 2-year progression-free survival rate, and median survival time (MST) were 52.9, 50.0 %, and 24.7 months, respectively. In patients with clinical T4 classification, the 2-year overall survival rate, 2-year progression-free survival rate, and MST were 43.5, 44.9 %, and 21.6 months respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

DCF-RT keeps safety and feasibility by management of myelotoxicity adequately in RD. This protocol might produce a high CR rate and favorable prognosis compared with standard chemoradiotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer.