Lymph node metastasis in early esophageal adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg. 2011;254:731-776; discussion 731-776. [PMID: 21997815 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e318236048b]

Risk of lymph node metastasis in T1 esophageal adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis

Patients with early (T1) esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are increasingly having definitive local therapy endoscopically. Endoscopic resection is not able to pathologically stage or treat lymph node metastasis (LNM). Accurate identification of patients having nodal metastasis is critical to select endoscopic therapy over surgery. This study aimed to define the risk of LNM in T1 EAC. A meta-analysis of studies of patients who underwent surgery and lymphadenectomy with assessment of LNM was performed according to PRISMA. Main outcome was probability of LNM in T1a and T1b disease. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for LNM and rate of LNM in submucosal T1b (SM1, SM2, and SM3) disease. Registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022341794). Twenty cohort studies involving 2264 patients with T1 EAC met inclusion criteria: T1a (857 patients) with 36 (4.2%) node positive and T1b (1407 patients) with 327 (23.2%) node positive. Subgroup analysis of T1b lesions was available in 10 studies (405 patients). Node positivity for SM1, SM2, and SM3 was 16.3%, 16.2%, and 29.4%, respectively. T1 substage (odds ratio [OR] 7.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.45-13.38, P < 0.01), tumor differentiation (OR 2.82, 95% CI 2.06-3.87, P < 0.01), and lymphovascular invasion (OR 13.65, 95% CI 6.06-30.73, P < 0.01) were associated with LNM. T1a disease demonstrated a 4.2% nodal metastasis rate and T1b disease a rate of 23.2%. Endoscopic therapy should be reserved for T1a disease and perhaps select T1b disease, which has a moderately high rate of nodal metastasis. There were inadequate data to stratify T1b SM disease into 'low-risk' and 'high-risk' based on tumor differentiation and lymphovascular invasion.

Management of high risk T1 esophageal adenocarcinoma following endoscopic resection

High-risk T1 esophageal adenocarcinoma (HR-T1 EAC) is defined as T1 cancer, with one or more of the following histological criteria: submucosal invasion, poorly or undifferentiated cancer, and/or presence of lympho-vascular invasion. Esophagectomy has long been the only available treatment for these HR-T1 EACs and was considered necessary because of a presumed high risk of lymph node metastases up to 46%. However, endoscopic submucosal disscection have made it possible to radically remove HR-T1 EAC, irrespective of size, while leaving the esophageal anatomy intact. Parallel to this development, new publications demonstrated that the risk of lymph node metastases for HR-T1 EAC may be even <24%. Therefore, indications for endoscopic treatment of HR-T1 EAC are being reconsidered and current research aims at finding the optimal management strategy for this indication, where watchful waiting may proof to be an acceptable strategy in selected patients. In this review, we will discuss the latest developments in this field.

Echoendoscopy in Preoperative Evaluation of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Gastroesophageal Junction: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Esophageal adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction constitute a global health problem, the incidence of which has increased in recent decades. It has a poor prognosis and a low 5-year survival rate. Its treatment is based on preoperative clinical staging, in which echoendoscopy plays an essential role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current accuracy of echoendoscopy in the staging of esophageal and esophogogastric junction adenocarcinomas. A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Embase and Portal BVS using the search terms Esophageal Neoplasm, Esophagus Neoplasms, Esophagus Cancers, Esophageal Cancers, EUS, EUS-FNA, Endoscopic Ultrasonography, Echo Endoscopy, Endosonographies and Endoscopic Ultrasound, with subsequent meta-analysis of the data found. The accuracy of tumor (T) staging was 65.55%. For T1, sensitivity was 64.7%, and specificity 89.1%, with an accuracy of 89.6%. For T2, sensitivity and specificity were 35.7% and 89.2%, respectively, with an accuracy of 87.1%. For T3, sensitivity and specificity were 82.5% and 83%, respectively, with an accuracy of 87%. For T4, sensitivity and specificity were 38.6% and 94%, respectively, with an accuracy of 66.4%. For node (N) staging, sensitivity was 77.3% and specificity 67.4%, with an accuracy of 77.9%. Echoendoscopy exhibits suboptimal accuracy in preoperative staging of esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophagogastric junction.

Clinical Outcome of Additional Esophagectomy After Endoscopic Treatment for Superficial Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic treatment is one of the options for superficial esophageal cancer, but additional therapy such as esophagectomy or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is sometimes needed due to noncurative resection. However, the outcome of additional therapy after endoscopic treatment has not been fully evaluated.

METHODS

In 160 patients with superficial esophageal cancer, including 37 patients who underwent esophagectomy and 123 patients who underwent CRT after noncurative endoscopic resection, outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

The CRT group included more elderly patients than the surgery group, although there were no significant differences in tumor depth or lymphovascular invasion between the two groups. Overall survival was significantly better in the surgery group than in the CRT group (5-year overall survival: 94.3% vs. 79.9%; p = 0.039). Two (5.4%) patients in the surgery group who developed lymph node recurrence achieved complete response by chemotherapy or CRT, and 9 of 16 patients (13.0%) in the CRT group who developed recurrence underwent salvage esophagectomy or lymphadenectomy. As a result, the 5-year cause-specific survival was 100% in the surgery group and 92.8% in the CRT group. SM2 invasion (≥ SM2) was significantly associated with recurrence after CRT, while lymphatic invasion was associated with lymph node metastasis in the surgery group.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic treatment combined with esophagectomy or CRT can be a curative treatment option in patients with superficial esophageal cancer. However, esophagectomy rather than CRT should be recommended for patients with massive submucosal tumor invasion due to the risk of recurrence after CRT.

The management and long-term outcomes of endoscopic and surgical treatment of early esophageal adenocarcinoma

Endoscopic resection (ER) for early (pT1) esophageal adenocarcinoma can be justified if the rate of coexisting lymph node (LN) metastasis is less than the mortality rate from esophagectomy. This study examines endoscopic and surgical outcomes, histological assessment of submucosal (sm) disease, factors influencing LN metastasis, and the safety of treating pT1b disease endoscopically. Histopathological reexamination recorded thickness, width and depth of sm invasion, grade, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), resection margin status and tumor stage. Multivariate analysis was employed to evaluate the factors influencing survival and LN metastasis. Rate of LN metastasis for pT1 low-risk (LR: sm invasion < 500 μm, G1-2, no LVI) or high-risk (HR: sm invasion >500 μm, G3-4 or LVI) disease were analyzed. Ninety three patients underwent ER and 96 underwent esophagectomy. We demonstrate conflicting histological methods of sm disease reporting, which may explain the difference in LN metastasis rate between reported surgical & endoscopic series. Multivariate analysis confirmed age, T stage, and presence of LN metastases were the independent factors predicting poor prognosis. Tumor thickness as well as grade, T stage, LVI were predictors of LN metastasis. Rates of LN metastasis are <2% in LR sm1 disease, and >15% in HR sm1 disease. Pathological reporting of sm invasion should be updated for uniform analysis of endoscopic and surgical specimens. Following rigorous histopathological examination and within a close endoscopic follow-up regimen, pT1a and pT1b LRsm1 disease may be treated with curative intent endoscopically, whereas pT1b HRsm1-sm3 disease should be offered surgery.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection guidelines for esophageal cancer

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has developed endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection guidelines. These guidelines present recommendations in response to 18 clinical questions concerning the preoperative diagnosis, indications, resection methods, curability assessment, and surveillance of patients undergoing endoscopic resection for esophageal cancers based on a systematic review of the scientific literature.

Clinical features of metastasis from superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus

BACKGROUND

It is important to understand the sites and the frequency of metastasis to perform less invasive treatments for superficial esophageal cancer, such as minimized or focused lymphadenectomy, endoscopic resection, and chemoradiotherapy. The distribution pattern and frequency of metastases from superficial esophageal cancer, however, have not been well elucidated.

METHODS

In 342 patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy, the sites and frequency of any metastasis, including lymph node metastasis at the time of esophagectomy, lymph node recurrence, and hematologic metastases were investigated. Factors associated with the likelihood of metastasis and prognosis were also examined.

RESULTS

The incidence of lymph node metastasis increased with tumor depth (m2 = 7%; m3 = 17%; sm1 = 29%; sm2 = 41%; and sm3 = 42%). Lymph node metastases were observed most frequently in upper mediastinal lymph nodes, such as upper paratracheal lymph nodes, and in perigastric lymph nodes, such as paracardial lymph nodes and the left gastric lymph nodes. Lymph node metastases were also observed across a broad range of lymph nodes, including cervical, mediastinal, and abdominal lymph node regions, irrespective of tumor location. The 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were 78% and 89%, respectively. Submucosal invasion and lymphatic invasion were identified as independent factors associated with metastasis. Lymphatic invasion was also identified as an independent factor associated with disease-specific survival.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that metastasis can occur in a wide range of lymph node stations even in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Together with the finding that lymphatic invasion is an independent prognostic factor, this study may help determine the treatment strategy for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Upregulation of miR-17-92 cluster is associated with progression and lymph node metastasis in oesophageal adenocarcinoma

The occurrence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and depth of tumour infiltration are significant prognostic factors in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), however no reliable prognostic biomarkers have been established so far. Aim of this study was to characterize microRNAs (miRs) of OAC patients, who primarily underwent oesophagectomy, in order to identify specific alterations during tumour progression and LNM. MicroRNA array-based quantification analysis of 754 miRs, including tumour specimens of 12 patients with pT2 OAC from three different centres (detection group), was performed. We identified miR-17, miR-19a/b, miR-20a, and miR-106a, showing the best predictive power for LNM. These miRs were validated by quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) in 43 patients with different tumour stages (pT1: n = 21; pT2: n = 12 and pT3: n = 10) (training group) (p < 0.05), demonstrating that increasing levels of identified miRs were associated with advanced depth of tumour infiltration. These findings were verified in another independent group of 46 pT2 OAC patients (validation group). Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of the miR-panel confirmed these results except for miR-19a (p < 0.05 each). Logistic regression analysis identified miR-17 and miR-20a (p = 0.025 and p = 0.022, respectively) to be independent variables for prediction of LNM. The mathematical prediction model was used in the validation group, and the estimated prognosis was compared to the actual postsurgical follow-up. This comprehensive data demonstrated the importance of miR-17-92 cluster and miR-106a for progression as well as LNM in OAC indicating that those might be feasible prognostic biomarkers.

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma: introduction of Japan Esophageal Society classification of Barrett's esophagus

Endoscopic surveillance of Barrett's esophagus has become a foundation of the management of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Surveillance for Barrett's esophagus commonly involves periodic upper endoscopy with biopsies of suspicious areas and random four-quadrant biopsies. However, targeted biopsies using narrow-band imaging can detect more dysplastic areas and thus reduce the number of biopsies required. Several specific mucosal and vascular patterns characteristic of Barrett's esophagus have been described, but the proposed criteria are complex and diverse. Simpler classifications have recently been developed focusing on the differentiation between dysplasia and non-dysplasia. These include the Japan Esophageal Society classification, which defines regular and irregular patterns in terms of mucosal and vascular shapes. Cancer invasion depth is diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS); however, a meta-analysis of EUS staging of superficial EAC showed favorable pooled values for mucosal cancer staging, but unsatisfactory diagnostic results for EAC at the esophagogastric junction. Endoscopic resection has recently been suggested as a more accurate staging modality for superficial gastrointestinal cancers than EUS. Following endoscopic resection for gastrointestinal cancers, the risk of metastasis can be evaluated based on the histology of the resected specimen. European guidelines describe endoscopic resection as curative for well- or moderately differentiated mucosal cancers without lymphovascular invasion, and these criteria might be extended to lesions invading the submucosa (≤ 500 μm), i.e., to low-risk, well- or moderately differentiated tumors without lymphovascular involvement, and < 3 cm. These criteria were confirmed by a recent study in Japan.

Endoscopic Resection in the Esophagus

The article is a review of the principles behind endoscopic resection of esophageal dysplasia and early cancers. The techniques of endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection are reviewed, and the supporting literature compared. Endoscopic resection is compared with esophagectomy for the management of these lesions and current areas of controversy with regard to T1b lesions and gastroesophageal reflux following resection are addressed.

Indication for endoscopic treatment based on the risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with Siewert type II/III early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Because of the poor prognosis of proximal gastric cancers, there is debate as to whether the conventional indications for endoscopic resection can be used.

METHODS

Among subjects who underwent surgery for esophagogastric junction or gastric cardia cancer, 256 patients with T1 type II/III of the Siewert classification were included in this study. The association of lymph node metastasis (LNM) with each variable was analyzed using logistic regression models. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the discriminatory ability of the model. Propensity score-matched non-cardia cancer patients were selected to compare LNM and long-term survival rates.

RESULTS

Of the 256 patients with T1 Siewert II/III gastric cancer, 21 (8.2%) had LNM. Because there was no LNM in T1a cancers, risk factors were analyzed only in patients with T1b. Tumor size (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10-1.82, P = 0.007) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (OR 5.13, 95% CI 1.88-14.06, P = 0.002) were determined to be predictors of LNM (sensitivity = 66.7% and specificity = 81.6%). Among patients without LVI, the groups with negligible risk for LNM were mucosa-confined cancer, or SM1 cancer with a tumor size ≤3 cm. No LNM was observed in patients satisfying the absolute or extended criteria for endoscopic resection of early gastric cancers. LNM and long-term survival rates of patients with Siewert II/III did not differ significantly compared with matched non-cardia cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size and LVI were associated with LNM in patients with early Siewert type II/III gastric cancer, and the expanded indication for endoscopic resection may be used.

Endoscopic management and follow-up of patients with a submucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma

Introduction

The risk of lymph node metastases (LNM) in submucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) patients is subject to debate. These patients might be treated endoscopically if the risk of LNM appears to be low.

Objective

The objective of this article is to evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent an endoscopic resection (ER) and subsequent endoscopic follow-up for a submucosal EAC.

Methods

All patients who underwent ER for submucosal EAC between January 2012 and August 2016 and were subsequently managed with endoscopic follow-up were retrospectively identified. Primary outcome was the number of patients diagnosed with LNM; secondary outcomes included intraluminal recurrences.

Results

Thirty-five patients (median age 68 years) were included: 17 low-risk (submucosal invasion <500 microns, G1–G2, no lymphovascular invasion (LVI)), and 18 high-risk (submucosal invasion >500 microns, and/or G3–G4, and/or LVI, and/or a tumor-positive deep resection margin (R1)) EACs. After a median follow-up of 23 (IQR 15–43) months, in which patients underwent a median of six (IQR 4–8) endoscopies and a median of four (IQR 2–8) endoscopic ultrasound procedures, none of the included patients were diagnosed with LNM. Five (14%) patients developed a local intraluminal recurrence a median of 18 (IQR 11–21) months after baseline ER that were treated endoscopically.

Conclusions

In 35 patients with a submucosal EAC, no LNM were found during a median follow-up of 23 months. Endoscopic therapy may be an alternative for surgery in selected patients with a submucosal EAC.

Risk of metastasis in adenocarcinoma of the esophagus: a multicenter retrospective study in a Japanese population

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the specific risks of metastasis in esophageal adenocarcinoma in relation to invasion depth or other pathologic factors.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in 13 high-volume centers in Japan from January 2000 to October 2014 to elucidate the risk of metastasis of esophageal adenocarcinoma. A total of 458 patients (217 surgically resected and 241 endoscopically resected) with esophageal adenocarcinoma or esophagogastric adenocarcinoma involving the esophagus were included. Metastasis was considered positive if there was histologically confirmed metastasis in the surgical specimen or clinically confirmed metastasis during follow-up. Metastasis was considered negative if no metastasis was identified in resected specimens and during follow-up in patients treated surgically or no metastasis during follow-up for >5 years in patients treated by endoscopic resection.

RESULTS

Metastasis was identified in 72 patients. Multivariate analysis confirmed lymphovascular involvement [odds ratio (OR) 6.20; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 3.12-12.32; p < 0.001], a poorly differentiated component (OR 3.69; 95 % CI 1.92-7.10; p < 0.001), and lesion size >30 mm (OR 3.12; 95 % CI 1.63-5.97; p = 0.001) as independent risk factors for metastasis. No metastasis was detected in patients with mucosal cancer without lymphovascular involvement and a poorly differentiated component (0/186 lesions) or in patients with cancer invading the submucosa (1-500 µm) without lymphovascular involvement, a poorly differentiated component, and ≤30 mm (0/32 lesions).

CONCLUSIONS

Mucosal and submucosal cancers (1-500 µm invasion) without risk factors have a low incidence of metastasis and may thus be good candidates for endoscopic resection.

The Prevalence of Overall and Initial Lymph Node Metastases in Clinical T1N0 Thoracic Esophageal Cancer: From the Results of JCOG0502, a Prospective Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sites and frequencies of overall and initial lymph node (LN) metastases (LNMs) of clinical T1N0 esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND

The sites and frequencies of initial LNMs and sentinel LNs (SLNs) of esophageal cancer remain unclear.

METHODS

The Japan Clinical Oncology Group JCOG0502 trial was a 4-arm prospective study that compared esophagectomy with chemoradiotherapy for clinical T1N0 esophageal cancer in both randomized and patient-preference arms. The preoperative diagnostic accuracy was evaluated for patients assigned to the surgery arm. Patients who withdrew consent and who were not treated were excluded. All patients underwent esophagectomy with D2 or greater LN dissection. From the pathologic findings, sites and frequencies of LNMs and SLNs were assessed and the frequency of skip LNMs was calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 211 patients underwent LNM and SLN analysis. Regarding N-factor accuracy, 57 (27.0%) of 211 clinical N0 cases had pathologic LNMs. The upper mediastinal and mediastinal/abdominal regions were frequent sites of LNMs in upper and lower thoracic cases, respectively. However, in middle thoracic cases, LNMs were observed in the neck, mediastinal, and abdominal regions, and pathologic SLN spread to all 3 fields. The frequency of skip LNMs was 36.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

A clinical diagnosis of T1N0 is not sufficiently accurate, and therefore, it is unacceptable to omit LN dissection or minimize the prophylactic radiation field. SLNs, which are not location restricted, should be surveyed in all 3 fields.

Early-stage adenocarcinoma of the esophagus with mid to deep submucosal invasion (pT1b sm2-3): the frequency of lymph-node metastasis depends on macroscopic and histological risk patterns

The rate of lymph-node (LN) metastasis in early adenocarcinoma (EAC) of the esophagus with mid to deep submucosal invasion (pT1b sm2/3) has not yet been precisely defined. The aim of the this study was to evaluate the rate of LN metastasis in pT1b sm2/3 EAC depending on macroscopic and histological risk patterns to find out whether there may also be options for endoscopic therapy as in cancers limited to the mucosa and the upper third of the submucosa. A total of 1.718 pt with suspicion of EAC were referred for endoscopic treatment (ET) to the Dept. of Internal Medicine II at HSK Wiesbaden 1996-2010. In 230/1.718 pt, the suspicion (endoscopic ultrasound, EUS) or definitive diagnosis of pT1b EAC (ER/surgery) was made. Of these, 38 pt had sm2 lesions, and 69 sm3. Rate of LN metastasis was analyzed depending on risk patterns: histologically low-risk (hisLR): G1-2, L0, V0; histologically high-risk (hisHR): ≥1 criterion not fulfilled; macroscopically low-risk (macLR): gross tumor type I-II, tumor size ≤2 cm; macroscopically high-risk (macHR): ≥1 criterion not fulfilled; combined low-risk (combLR): hisLR+macLR; combined high-risk (combHR): at least 1 risk factor. LN rate was only evaluated in pt who had proven maximum invasion depth of sm2/sm3, and who in case of ET had a follow-up (FU) by EUS of at least 24 months. 23/38 pt with pT1b sm2 lesions and 39/69 pt with sm3 lesions fulfilled our inclusion criteria. In the pT1b sm2 group, rate of LN metastasis in the hisLR, hisHR, combLR, and combHR groups were 8.3% (1/12), 36.3% (4/11), 0% (0/5), and 27.8% (5/18). In the pT1b sm3 group, rate of LN metastasis in the hisLR, hisHR, combLR and combHR groups were 28.6% (2/7), 37.5% (12/32), 25% (1/4), and 37.1% (13/35). 30-day mortality of surgery was 1.7% (1/58 pt). In EAC with pT1b sm2/3 invasion, the frequency of LN metastasis depends on macroscopic and histological risk patterns. Surgery remains the standard treatment, because the rate of LN metastasis appears to be higher than the mortality risk of surgery. Whether a highly selected group of pT1b sm2 patients with a favourable risk pattern may be candidates for endoscopic therapy cannot be decided until the results of larger case volumes are available.

Esophagectomy Following Endoscopic Resection of Submucosal Esophageal Cancer: a Highly Curative Procedure Even with Nodal Metastases

BACKGROUND

Despite the increased risk for nodal disease, definitive endoscopic resection is being increasingly offered for lesions invasive into the submucosa based on the success with intramucosal tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate survival after esophagectomy alone for confirmed submucosal tumors after endoscopic resection.

METHODS

Patients from seven centers in the USA who underwent esophagectomy for submucosal tumors removed with endoscopic resection were analyzed. Nodal involvement was correlated with recurrence and survival.

RESULTS

We identified 23 patients with submucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma. Esophagectomy was performed at a median of 2 months (Interquartile range 1-3) after the endoscopic resection. There was no postoperative mortality. Positive nodal disease was seen in 26 % of patients on final pathology. At a median of 37 months (Interquartile range 25-55), 91 % of patients were alive and free of disease. The disease-specific 5-year survival was 88 %. Disease-specific 5-year survival was 67 % in patients with positive nodal metastases and 100 % in those without (p = 0.159).

CONCLUSIONS

Esophagectomy is curative in the majority of patients with submucosal tumors even in the presence of nodal metastases. These data serve as a benchmark for comparison when considering extending the indications for therapeutic endoscopic resection for submucosal tumors in the future.

Meta-analysis of lymph node metastasis in Siewert type I and II T1 adenocarcinomas

AIM

To evaluate the incidence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and its risk factors in patients with Siewert type I and type II pT1 adenocarcinomas.

METHODS

We enrolled 85 patients [69 men, 16 women; median age (range), 67 (38-84) years] who had undergone esophagectomy or proximal gastrectomy for Siewert type I and type II pT1 adenocarcinomas. Predictive risk factors of LNM included age, sex, location of the tumor center, confirmed Barrett’s esophageal adenocarcinoma, tumor size, macroscopic tumor type, pathology, invasion depth, presence of ulceration, and lymphovascular invasion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors predicting LNM. We also evaluated the frequencies of LNM for Siewert type I and type II pT1 adenocarcinomas in meta-data analysis.

RESULTS

LNMs were found in 11 out of 85 patients (12.9%, 95%CI: 5.8-20.0). Only 1 of the 15 patients (6.6%, 95%CI: 0.0-19.2) who had a final diagnosis of pT1a adenocarcinoma had a positive LNM, whereas 10 of the 70 patients (14.2%, 95%CI: 6.0-22.4) with a final diagnosis of pT1b adenocarcinoma had positive LNM. Furthermore, only one of the 30 patients (3.3%, 95%CI: 0.0-9.7) with a tumor invasion depth within 500 μm from muscularis mucosae had positive LNM. Poor differentiation and lymphovascular invasion were independently associated with a risk of LNM. In meta-data analysis, 12 of the 355 patients (3.3%, 95%CI: 1.5-5.2) who had a final diagnosis of pT1a adenocarcinoma had a positive LNM, whereas 91 of the 438 patients (20.7%, 95%CI: 16.9-24.5) with a final diagnosis of pT1b adenocarcinoma had positive LNM.

CONCLUSION

We consider endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is suitable for patients with Siewert type I and type II T1a adenocarcinomas. For patients with T1b adenocarcinoma, especially invasion depth is within 500 μm from muscularis mucosae with no other risk factor for LNM, diagnostic ESD could be a treatment option according to the overall status of patients and the presence of comorbidities.

Management of patients with T1b esophageal adenocarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study on patient management and risk of metastatic disease

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy for submucosal (T1b) esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is performed in order to optimize patient outcomes given the risk of concurrent lymph node metastases (LNM). However, not seldom, comorbidity precludes these patients from surgery. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the course of follow-up after treatment in submucosal EAC patients undergoing surgery versus conservative therapy and to evaluate the incidence of metastatic disease.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2012, all patients undergoing diagnostic endoscopic resection for EAC in two centers were reviewed. Only patients with histopathologically proven submucosal tumor invasion were included. Submucosal EACs were divided into tumors that were removed radically (R0) and irradically (R1). Subsequently, in the R0 group, EACs were classified as either low risk (LR; submucosal invasion <500 nm, G1-G2, no LVI) or high risk (HR; deep submucosal invasion >500 nm, G3-G4 and/or LVI). Metastatic disease was defined as LNM in surgical resection specimen and/or evidence of malignant disease during follow-up (FU).

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients with a submucosal EAC were included [23 R1-resections and 46 R0-resection (14 R0-LR and 32 R0-HR)]. Twenty-six patients underwent surgical treatment (1 R0-LR, 12 R0-HR and 13 R1). None of the 14 R0-LR patients developed metastatic disease after a median FU of 60 months. In the R0-HR group and R1 group, metastatic disease was diagnosed in 16 and 30 % of patients, respectively. Surgical patients tended to have a better overall survival than non-surgical patients (p = 0.09). Tumor-related deaths, however, were 12 % in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In LR submucosal EAC, the risk of metastatic disease appears to be very low. In deep submucosal EAC (either R0- or R1-resection), the rate of metastatic disease is lower than reported in earlier surgical series. Given the reasonable disease-free survival and high background mortality, conservative management of these patients seems to be a valid alternative for surgery in selected cases.

Long-term outcomes of a primary complete endoscopic resection strategy for short-segment Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia and/or early esophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Complete endoscopic resection (CER) of Barrett's esophagus (BE) with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EEA) is a comprehensive and precise staging tool and may produce a sustained treatment response, preventing metachronous disease. There are limited data on long-term clinical outcomes and the sustainability of dysplasia eradication after CER. We aimed to describe long-term outcomes of a primary CER strategy of BE with HGD/EEA.

METHODS

Patients with biopsy-proven HGD and EEA in short-segment BE (≤ 3 cm in circumferential length and ≤ 5 cm in maximal length) underwent staged CER by multiband mucosectomy or the cap method. The primary endpoint was remission of HGD or EEA (complete resection of HGD/EEA), dysplasia (complete resection of any dysplasia), and complete resection of intestinal metaplasia.

RESULTS

Of 153 patients (126 HGD, 27 EEA; 83.7% male, median age of 66 years) considered suitable for CER, 138 met all inclusion criteria. CER was technically successful in all patients and was established after a median of 2 sessions. Covert synchronous EEA was found in 1 patient. At a mean follow-up of 40.7 months by intention-to-treat analysis, complete remission of HGD/EEA, dysplasia, and intestinal metaplasia was achieved in 98.5%, 89.1%, and 71.0%, respectively. In 47.1% of patients, CER changed the histological grade compared with pretreatment biopsies (28.1% downstaged and 19.0% upstaged). Esophageal dilation was performed in 36.8% in a mean of 2.5 sessions. At the end of follow-up, 96.4% of patients had no or minimal dysphagia and 90.6% of patients found CER an acceptable treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

On long-term follow-up, a primary CER strategy was a highly effective, safe, and durable treatment for HGD and EEA. Despite the need for post-CER dilation in one-third of patients, the majority found it an acceptable treatment on long-term follow-up.

Can the Risk of Lymph Node Metastases Be Gauged in Endoscopically Resected Submucosal Esophageal Adenocarcinomas? A Multi-Center Study

Endoscopic resection (ER) allows for local therapy of superficial esophageal cancers. Factors reported to be associated with an increased risk of lymph node metastases in patients with adenocarcinoma are poor differentiation, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and submucosal invasion >500 μ. The aim of this study was to determine whether depth of invasion and tumor characteristics in an ER specimen can be used to gauge the risk of lymph node metastases in patients with superficial esophageal adenocarcinoma. Patients from seven US centers that had ER of an adenocarcinoma followed by an esophagectomy were identified. The ER pathology slides were rereviewed by three experienced GI pathologists for depth of invasion, presence of LVI, and tumor differentiation. The findings from the ER specimen were correlated with the presence and number of lymph node metastases in the final esophagectomy specimen. There were 19 T1a and 23 T1b tumors. A median of 24 nodes were resected per patient. None of the T1a tumors had involved lymph nodes despite the presence of LVI in 5% and poor differentiation in 21% of patients. In contrast, 26% of T1b tumors had involved nodes. None of the four patients with submucosal invasion ≤500 μ, no LVI, and no poor differentiation had involved nodes. However, with an increasing number of risk factors, the likelihood of involved lymph nodes increased, reaching 50% when all three factors were present. Endoscopic therapy appears appropriate for intramucosal tumors and may be an option for low-risk T1b tumors. Esophagectomy is preferred for patients with submucosal invasion and one or more risk factors.

Is the outcome of a salvage surgery for T4 thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma really poor?

BACKGROUND

Among patients with T4 thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC), it is unclear whether the outcomes of late responders who undergo high-dose chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by salvage esophagectomy differs from those of early responders who undergo low-dose CRT followed by esophagectomy.

METHODS

A total of 153 patients with T4 TESCC were treated with CRT. The first evaluation was performed after 40 Gy of CRT for downstaging. Of these, 28 patients could be downstaged, and underwent subsequent surgery (early responders). For the remaining patients, additional CRT was administered, and patients were re-evaluated after treatment and underwent salvage surgery. In total, 40 patients (early + late responders) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The primary tumors exhibited a grade 3 response in six (21.4 %) of the early responders and two (16.7 %) of the late responders (p = 1.000). The rate of residual tumor in the primary tumor was 80 % (32/40 patients). The proportions of resected lymph nodes and positive metastatic nodes were similar between early and late responders (p = 0.406 and p = 0.859, respectively). The 5-year overall survival rates among the early and late responders were 25.9 and 36.5 %, respectively, and the median survival times were 24.8 and 24.3 months (p = 0.925), respectively. The 5-year cause-specific survival rates in the early and late responder groups were 61.5 and 72.9 % (p = 0.425), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of both early and late responders to CRT were similar, and salvage surgery for T4 TESCC outweighs the risks in patients with T4 TESCC.

Downregulation of microRNA-382 is associated with poor outcome of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM: To study the potential prognostic role of microRNA-382 (miR-382) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS: Forty six patients were divided into 2 groups according to postoperative survival time: the poor outcome group (28 patients), who showed early metastasis but no recurrence, and died within 1 year after surgery, 12 patients of the group received postoperative chemotherapy treatment that was given after early metastasis happening; the good outcome group (18 patients), who had no clinical metastasis and recurrence, and survived 5 years or more after surgery, all patients did not receive any postoperative treatment. Total RNA was extracted from the patients’ formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded esophageal cancer tissues. miR-382 level was evaluated using high-throughput real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The correlation between miR-382 level and clinicopathologic features was analyzed through COX regression model, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze the relationship between miR-382 level and patient survival time.

RESULTS: miR-382 was differentially expressed in the two groups. Overall the average miR-382 level in the ESCC patients with good outcome was 9.8 ± 3.8, while miR-382 level in the ESCC patients with poor outcome was 3.0 ± 0.8. The differences of miR-382 levels between two groups were significant (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis results showed that miR-382 expression level generally had a significant reverse-correlation with ESCC patient survival time (P < 0.001), in which the patients with higher expressions of miR-382 had a longer survival time either among individuals with the same tumor stage or among the overall patients.

CONCLUSION: miR-382 levels are reverse-correlated with ESCC poor outcomes, suggesting that miR-382 could be a potential predictive biomarker for both prognosis and treatment of ESCC.

Australian clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus and early esophageal adenocarcinoma

Barrett's esophagus (BE), a common condition, is the only known precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). There is uncertainty about the best way to manage BE as most people with BE never develop EAC and most patients diagnosed with EAC have no preceding diagnosis of BE. Moreover, there have been recent advances in knowledge and practice about the management of BE and early EAC. To aid clinical decision making in this rapidly moving field, Cancer Council Australia convened an expert working party to identify pertinent clinical questions. The questions covered a wide range of topics including endoscopic and histological definitions of BE and early EAC; prevalence, incidence, natural history, and risk factors for BE; and methods for managing BE and early EAC. The latter considered modification of lifestyle factors; screening and surveillance strategies; and medical, endoscopic, and surgical interventions. To answer each question, the working party systematically reviewed the literature and developed a set of recommendations through consensus. Evidence underpinning each recommendation was rated according to quality and applicability.

Treatment of esophagogastric junction carcinoma: An unsolved debate

The incidence of esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (AEG) is increasing worldwide. Barrett’s esophagus (BE) associated with dysplasia is the main risk factor for the development of cancer. Currently, screening programs to individuate and eradicate BE represent the best way to reduce AEG cancer. Several endoscopic approaches are here discussed. Surgical strategies for different types of AEG cancer are now fairly standardized, and multidisciplinary strategies using chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy may improve the outcome of these patients. Here we briefly discuss the keypoints, main topics, and critical issues, according to accumulating evidence and taking into account our own experience.

Clinical and histologic determinants of mortality for patients with Barrett's esophagus-related T1 esophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Superficial (T1) esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) commonly is treated by endoscopic resection, yet little is known about factors that predict outcomes of this approach. We assessed clinical and histologic variables associated with the overall survival times of patients with T1 EAC who received therapy.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis, we collected data from patients who underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for T1 EAC (194 patients with T1a and 75 patients with T1b) at the Mayo Clinic, from 1995 through 2011. EMR specimens were reviewed systematically for depth of invasion, presence of lymphovascular invasion, grade of differentiation, and status of resection margins. Kaplan-Meier curves and proportional hazards regression models were used in statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics were similar between patients with T1a and T1b EAC. Overall survival at 5 years after EMR was 74.4% for patients with T1a (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.6%-81.8%) and 53.2% for patients with T1b EAC (95% CI, 40.3%-70.1%). Of surviving patients with T1a EAC, 94.1% remained free of cancer (95% CI, 89.8%-98.5%), and 94.7% of surviving patients with T1b EAC remained free of cancer (95% CI, 85.2%-100%). A multivariable model associated older age (per 10-year increment), evidence of lymphovascular invasion, and deep margin involvement with reduced overall survival in patients with T1 EAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic assessment of EMR specimens can help predict mortality and potentially guide treatment options for patients with T1 EAC.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy with right bronchial occlusion under artificial pneumothorax

AIMS

To assess the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive esophagectomy and selected three-field lymphadenectomy with the right bronchial occlusion in left semi-prone position under artificial pneumothorax.

METHODS

Thoracoscopic-laparoscopic subtotal esophagectomy and selected three-field lymphadenectomy were performed in 166 patients with esophageal carcinoma by the right bronchial occlusion in left semi-prone position under artificial pneumothorax.

RESULTS

109 patients received two-field lymphadenectomy and 57 received three-field lymphadenectomy. The average operative time was 202.5 ± 21.3 min; the average thoracoscopic operative time was 98.4 ± 15.5 min. The average blood loss was 39.6 ± 4.2 ml, and no blood transfusion was needed during the surgery. The mean lymph node harvest was 28.4 ± 5.2 nodes. Hospital stay ranged from 7 to 95 days and the average was 11.3 days. The postoperative complication rate was 29.5%, and the mortality rate was 1.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible and safe to perform thoracoscopic-laparoscopic subtotal esophagectomy and selected three-field lymphadenectomy with the right bronchial occlusion in left semi-prone position under artificial pneumothorax for esophageal carcinoma. The procedure shows advantages in improved visibility and accessibility of the surgical field, and better subsequent surgical outcomes.

The frequency of lymph node metastasis in early-stage adenocarcinoma of the esophagus with incipient submucosal invasion (pT1b sm1) depending on histological risk patterns

BACKGROUND

A prerequisite for endoscopic treatment (ET) of not only mucosal, but also submucosal early adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (EAC) would be a rate of lymph node (LN) metastasis below the mortality rate of esophagectomy (2-5%). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the rate of LN metastasis in patients with pT1b sm1 EAC.

METHODS

1996-2010, 1,718 patients with suspicion of EAC were referred to the Department of Internal Medicine II at HSK Wiesbaden. In 123/1718 patients, the suspicion (endoscopic ultrasound, EUS) or definitive diagnosis of sm1 EAC (ER/surgery) was made. Rate of LN metastasis was analyzed separately for low-risk (LR; G1-2, L0, V0) and high-risk lesions (HR; G3, L1, V1; ≥ 1 risk factor). LN metastasis was only evaluated in patients who had a proven maximum invasion depth of sm1 (ER and/or surgery), and who in case of ET had a follow-up (FU) by EUS of at least 24 months.

RESULTS

Of the 72/123 patients included into the study, 49 patients had LR (68%) and 23 HR lesions (32%). In endoscopically treated LR patients (37/49), mean EUS-FU was 60 ± 30 mo (range 25-146); in HR patients undergoing ET (6/23), it was 63 ± 17 mo (46-86; p = 0.4). Mean number of resected LN was 27 ± 16 (12-62) in operated LR patients and 27 ± 10 (12-47) in HR-patients. The rate of LN metastasis was 2% in the LR (1 patient) and 9% in the HR group (2 patients; p = 0.24). Mortality of esophagectomy was 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of LN metastasis in pT1b sm1 early adenocarcinoma with histological LR pattern was lower than the mortality rate of esophagectomy. ER may therefore be used alternatively to surgery in this group of patients.

Endoscopic assessment and management of early esophageal adenocarcinoma

Esophageal carcinoma affects more than 450000 people worldwide and the incidence is rapidly increasing. In the United States and Europe, esophageal adenocarcinoma has superseded esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in its incidence. Esophageal cancer has a high mortality rates secondary to the late presentation of most patients at advanced stages. Endoscopic screening is recommended for patients with multiple risk factors for cancer in Barrett’s esophagus. These risk factors include chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia, advanced age, male sex, white race, cigarette smoking, and obesity. The annual risk of esophageal cancer is approximately 0.25% for patients without dysplasia and 6% for patients with high-grade dysplasia. Twenty percent of all esophageal adenocarcinoma in the United States is early stage with disease confined to the mucosa or submucosa. The significant morbidity and mortality of esophagectomy make endoscopic treatment an attractive option. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends endoscopic eradication therapy for patients with high-grade dysplasia. Endoscopic modalities for treatment of early esophageal adenocarcinoma include endoscopic resection techniques and endoscopic ablative techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, photodynamic therapy and cryoablation. Endoscopic therapy should be precluded to patients with no evidence of lymphovascular invasion. Local tumor recurrence is low after endoscopic therapy and is predicted by poor differentiation of tumor, positive lymph node and submucosal invasion. Surgical resection should be offered to patients with deep submucosal invasion.

Different expression of miRNAs in early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with differential prognosis

Patients at the same pathological stage of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have significantly different prognoses. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in two groups of early ESCC patients who had different prognoses at the pT1N0 stage, and to study the prognostic significance of different miRNAs in early ESCC metastasis. We tried to identify prognostic markers that may be helpful in the selection of appropriate treatment for patients with early ESCC. We used TaqMan Human miRNA Arrays to detect and analyze bioinformatically the expression profiles of miRNAs in two groups, and the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method to verify the differences in miRNA expression. The miRNA arrays revealed a total of 29 markedly downregulated miRNAs in the survival group compared with the deceased group. Such miRNAs were associated with lympho-vascular invasion and metastasis, and acted as predictive markers of lympho-vascular invasion and metastasis. The detection of these miRNAs forms an important basis for the treatment of early ESCC. It can also help determine those patients with early ESCC who are good candidates for endoscopic resection treatment and those who need additional treatment after endoscopic resection.

Prognostic risk factors of early esophageal adenocarcinomas

OBJECTIVE

To define prognostic risk factors in patients with early adenocarcinomas of the esophagus (eACEs) who were treated by esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND

Although endoscopic resection (ER) is more accepted for eACEs limited to the mucosa, the reported prevalence of lymph node metastases once the tumor infiltrates the submucosa seems to necessitate surgery in these cases.

METHODS

We analyzed the results of 168 patients who had an esophageal resection because of an eACE. On the basis of specimen histologies and clinical follow-up (median, 64 months), we investigated the influence of lymph node metastases (N+), tumor infiltration depth, tumor differentiation (G1-3), and lymphatic or venous infiltration (L+ or V+) on overall and tumor-specific survival and recurrence rates.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rate was 79%. Lymph node infiltration was the only prognostic factor for the overall survival [hazard ratio (HR), 2.856; 1.314-6.207; P = 0.008], tumor-specific survival (HR, 8.336; 2.734-25.418; P < 0.001), and tumor recurrence (HR, 8.031; 3.041-21.206; P < 0.001) that was consistently present in all multivariate hazard Cox regression analyses. A total of 47% of the patients who had an N+ status developed tumor recurrences compared with 5.2% of those who had no lymph node involvement (P = <0.001). We found a significant correlation between N+ status and increasing depth of tumor infiltration (P = 0.004), lymphatic vessel infiltration (P = 0.002), tumor differentiation (G1 + G2 vs G3; P = 0.014) and vascular infiltration (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Lymph node status is the only independent risk factor for survival and recurrence rates. Tumor infiltration depth correlates with the rate of the lymph node metastases, but a clear watershed between deep mucosal and submucosal infiltration does not exist. As a consequence, careful staging procedures, including diagnostic ER, are mandatory to determine which patients can be treated by ER and which require an esophagectomy.

Long-term efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection for patients with mucosal adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Barrett's esophagus-associated high-grade dysplasia is commonly treated by endoscopy. However, most guidelines offer no recommendations for endoscopic treatment of mucosal adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (mAC). We investigated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection in a large series of patients with mAC.

METHODS

We collected data from 1000 consecutive patients (mean age, 69.1 ± 10.7 years; 861 men) with mAC (481 with short-segment and 519 with long-segment Barrett's esophagus) who presented at a tertiary care center from October 1996 to September 2010. Patients with low-grade and high-grade dysplasia and submucosal or more advanced cancer were excluded. All patients underwent endoscopic resection of mACs. Patients found to have submucosal cancer at their first endoscopy examination were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up period of 56.6 ± 33.4 months, 963 patients (96.3%) had achieved a complete response; surgery was necessary in 12 patients (3.7%) after endoscopic therapy failed. Metachronous lesions or recurrence of cancer developed during the follow-up period in 140 patients (14.5%) but endoscopic re-treatment was successful in 115, resulting in a long-term complete remission rate of 93.8%; 111 died of concomitant disease and 2 of Barrett's esophagus-associated cancer. The calculated 10-year survival rate of patients who underwent endoscopic resection of mACs was 75%. Major complications developed in 15 patients (1.5%) but could be managed conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic therapy is highly effective and safe for patients with mAC, with excellent long-term results. In an almost 5-year follow-up of 1000 patients treated with endoscopic resection, there was no mortality and less than 2% had major complications. Endoscopic therapy should become the standard of care for patients with mAC.

Depth of submucosal tumor infiltration and its relevance in lymphatic metastasis formation for T1b squamous cell and adenocarcinomas of the esophagus

BACKGROUND

Surgery for early esophageal carcinoma has been challenged by less invasive endoscopic approaches. Selecting patients in need for surgical intervention according to their risk of lymphatic spread is mandatory.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for lymphatic metastasis formation in T1b esophageal carcinomas.

METHODS

Histopathological specimens following surgical resection for T1b esophageal carcinomas were reevaluated for overall submucosal layer thickness, depth of submucosal tumor infiltration, tumor length as well as lymphatic and vascular infiltration. Depth of tumor infiltration to overall submucosal thickness was divided in thirds (SM1, SM2, and SM3) and factors influencing lymphatic metastasis formation were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients with pT1b tumors were analyzed, including 36 adenocarcinomas (53.7 %) and 31 squamous cell carcinomas (46.3 %). Lymph node involvement was seen in 22.4 % (15/67) patients without significant differences between SM1 3/11 (27.3 %), SM2, 4/18 (22.2 %), and SM3 (8/38) (21.8 %) (p = 0.909) carcinomas. On binomial log-regression models, only lymphangioinvasion and tumor length >2 cm was significantly associated with lymph node involvement.

CONCLUSION

As depth of submucosal tumor infiltration did not correlate with the formation of lymph node metastases and in regard of the risk of lymphatic spread in these cases, surgical resection is warranted in pT1b carcinomas.

Recent developments in esophageal adenocarcinoma

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is characterized by 6 striking features: increasing incidence, male predominance, lack of preventive measures, opportunities for early detection, demanding surgical therapy and care, and poor prognosis. Reasons for its rapidly increasing incidence include the rising prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and obesity, combined with the decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. The strong male predominance remains unexplained, but hormonal influence might play an important role. Future prevention might include the treatment of reflux or obesity or chemoprevention with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or statins, but no evidence-based preventive measures are currently available. Likely future developments include endoscopic screening of better defined high-risk groups for EAC. Individuals with Barrett esophagus might benefit from surveillance, at least those with dysplasia, but screening and surveillance strategies need careful evaluation to be feasible and cost-effective. The surgery for EAC is more extensive than virtually any other standard procedure, and postoperative survival, health-related quality of life, and nutrition need to be improved (eg, by improved treatment, better decision-making, and more individually tailored follow-up). Promising clinical developments include increased survival after preoperative chemoradiotherapy, the potentially reduced impact on health-related quality of life after minimally invasive surgery, and the new endoscopic therapies for dysplastic Barrett esophagus or early EAC. The overall survival rates are improving slightly, but poor prognosis remains a challenge.

Efficacy, safety, and long-term results of endoscopic treatment for early stage adenocarcinoma of the esophagus with low-risk sm1 invasion

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with early-stage mucosal (T1a) esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are increasingly treated by endoscopic resection. EACs limited to the upper third of the submucosa (pT1b sm1) could also be treated by endoscopy. We assessed the efficacy, safety, and long-term effects of endoscopic therapy for these patients.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 66 patients with sm1 low-risk lesions (macroscopically polypoid or flat, with a histologic pattern of sm1 invasion, good-to-moderate differentiation [G1/2], and no invasion into lymph vessels or veins) treated by endoscopic therapy at the HSK Hospital Wiesbaden from 1996 through 2010. The efficacy of endoscopic therapy was assessed on the basis of rates of complete endoluminal remission (CER), metachronous neoplasia, lymph node events, and long-term remission (LTR). Safety was assessed on the basis of rate of complications.

RESULTS

Remissions were assessed in 61 of the 66 patients; 53 of the 61 achieved CER (87%). Of patients with small focal neoplasias ≤2 cm, 97% achieved CER (for those with tumors ≥2 cm, 77%; P = .026). Metachronous neoplasias were observed in 10 of 53 patients (19%; 9 of the 10 underwent repeat endoscopic resection). One patient developed a lymph node metastasis (1.9%). Fifty-one patients achieved LTR (84%); 90% of those with focal lesions ≤2 cm achieved LTR after a mean follow-up period of 47 ± 29.1 months (range, 8-120 months). No tumor-associated deaths were observed, and the estimated 5-year survival rate was 84%. The rate of major complications from endoscopic resection was 1.5%, and no patients died.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic therapy appears to be a good alternative to esophagectomy for patients with pT1b sm1 EAC, on the basis of macroscopic and histologic analyses. The risk of developing lymph node metastases after endoscopic resection for sm1 EAC is lower than the risk of surgery.

Endotherapy for superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagus: an American experience

BACKGROUND

EMR and ablation are increasingly being used alone or in combination for treatment of Barrett's neoplasia. Given a very low rate of lymph node metastasis, endotherapy has become an accepted treatment option for T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) with low-risk features.

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience of endoscopic management of T1a EAC in a large, tertiary-care center.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Tertiary-care referral center.

PATIENTS

Patients treated endoscopically for low-risk T1a EAC at our center.

INTERVENTION

EMR and endoscopic ablation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Death related to esophageal cancer, remission of adenocarcinoma, dysplasia, and intestinal metaplasia.

RESULTS

A total of 54 patients underwent endotherapy for low-risk T1a EAC from 2006 to 2012. Mean (± SD) follow-up was 23 (± 16) months, mean (± SD) size of resected adenocarcinoma was 7.1 (± 4.3) mm, and mean (± SD) Barrett's esophagus length was 4.5 (± 3.9) cm. Band-assisted, cap-assisted, and lift and cut EMR were performed in 85%, 11%, and 4% of patients, respectively; 81% underwent additional ablative therapy (radiofrequency ablation 95%, cryotherapy 9%, photodynamic therapy 2%). Complete remission from cancer was achieved in 96%, complete remission from dysplasia in 87%, and complete remission from intestinal metaplasia in 59%. The overall survival was 89%; there were no deaths related to esophageal cancer.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study.

CONCLUSION

Endotherapy for T1a EAC was safe and effective in our American cohort. Endotherapy should be considered primary therapy for appropriate patients with low-risk lesions. Complete Barrett's esophagus eradication after EMR is important to reduce the development of metachronous lesions.