Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and cardia: a review of the disease and its treatment

Artificial intelligence system for the detection of Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND

Barrett's esophagus (BE), which has increased in prevalence worldwide, is a precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although there is a gap in the detection rates between endoscopic BE and histological BE in current research, we trained our artificial intelligence (AI) system with images of endoscopic BE and tested the system with images of histological BE.

AIM

To assess whether an AI system can aid in the detection of BE in our setting.

METHODS

Endoscopic narrow-band imaging (NBI) was collected from Chung Shan Medical University Hospital and Changhua Christian Hospital, resulting in 724 cases, with 86 patients having pathological results. Three senior endoscopists, who were instructing physicians of the Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan, independently annotated the images in the development set to determine whether each image was classified as an endoscopic BE. The test set consisted of 160 endoscopic images of 86 cases with histological results.

RESULTS

Six pre-trained models were compared, and EfficientNetV2B2 (accuracy [ACC]: 0.8) was selected as the backbone architecture for further evaluation due to better ACC results. In the final test, the AI system correctly identified 66 of 70 cases of BE and 85 of 90 cases without BE, resulting in an ACC of 94.37%.

CONCLUSION

Our AI system, which was trained by NBI of endoscopic BE, can adequately predict endoscopic images of histological BE. The ACC, sensitivity, and specificity are 94.37%, 94.29%, and 94.44%, respectively.

Impact of the Surgical Approach for Neoadjuvantly Treated Gastroesophageal Junction Type II Tumors: A Multinational, High-volume Center Retrospective Cohort Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore oncologic outcomes of transhiatal gastrectomy (THG) or transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) for neoadjuvantly treated gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) Siewert type II adenocarcinomas, a multinational, high-volume center cohort analysis was undertaken.

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy (CTx) followed by surgery is the standard therapy for locally advanced GEJ. However, the optimal surgical approach for type II GEJ tumors remains unclear, as the decision is mainly based on individual experience and assessment of operative risk.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 5 prospectively maintained databases was conducted. Between 2012 and 2021, 800 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria for type II GEJ tumors and neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy or CTx. The primary endpoint was median overall survival (mOS). Propensity score matching was performed to minimize selection bias.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing THG (n=163, 20.4%) had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification and cT stage ( P <0.001) than patients undergoing TTE (n=637, 79.6%). Neoadjuvant therapy was different as the THG group were mainly undergoing CTx (87.1%, P <0.001). The TTE group showed higher tumor regression ( P =0.009), lower ypT/ypM categories (both P <0.001), higher nodal yield ( P =0.009) and higher R0 resection rate ( P =0.001). The mOS after TTE was longer (78.0 vs 40.0 months, P =0.013). After propensity score matching a higher R0 resection rate ( P =0.004) and mOS benefit after TTE remained ( P =0.04). Subgroup analyses of patients without distant metastasis ( P =0.037) and patients only after neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( P =0.021) confirmed the survival benefit of TTE. TTE was an independent predictor of longer survival.

CONCLUSION

Awaiting results of the randomized CARDIA trial, TTE should in high-volume centers be considered the preferred approach due to favorable oncologic outcomes.

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.

Management of Esophago-Gastric Junction Carcinoma: A Narrative Multidisciplinary Review

Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) carcinoma represents a specific site of disease, given the opportunities for multimodal clinical care and management and the possibilities of combined treatments. It encompasses various clinical subgroups of disease that are heterogeneous and deserve different treatments; therefore, the guidelines have progressively evolved over time, considering the evidence provided by clinical trials. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the main evidence, which orientates the current guidelines, and to collect the main ongoing studies to address existing gray areas.

Usefulness of the Japan Esophageal Society Classification of Barrett's Esophagus for Diagnosing the Lateral Extent of Superficial Short-Segment Barrett's Esophageal Cancer

Introduction

The Japanese guidelines for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma (BEA) recommend image-enhanced magnifying endoscopic examination for diagnosing the lateral extent of superficial esophageal adenocarcinoma. The Japan Esophageal Society Barrett's Esophagus (JES-BE) classification is proposed recently and is useful in terms of diagnostic accuracy. In this study, we retrospectively examined the usefulness of the JES-BE classification for differential diagnosis and determination of the extent of BEA originating in short-segment Barrett's esophagus.

Methods

The study reviewed 51 lesions which underwent ESD for BEA. The circumference of the esophagogastric junction was divided into four parts, and the lesions were divided into those in the right anterior portion (RA group; n = 33) and those in other portions (non-RA group; n = 18). Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

JES-BE classification findings as "dysplasia" were seen in 48 out of 51 (94.1%) BEA lesions retrospectively. There was no significant difference in histological type, tumor depth, lymphovascular invasion, or the proportion of tumors with a positive or unknown horizontal or vertical margin status between the groups. The proportion of tumors with type 0-I morphology was significantly higher in the RA group (p = 0.023). The tumor size was significantly greater in the RA group (p = 0.034). According to the JES-BE classification, 31 lesions (93.9%) in the RA group and 17 lesions (94.4%) in the non-RA group were diagnosed as dysplasia. There was also no significant difference in the rate of consistency between the endoscopic and histopathological findings on the lateral extent of the lesion (90.9% vs. 83.3%; p = 0.612).

Discussion/Conclusions

The JES-BE classification may be useful for determining the extent of BEA.

Establishment of prognostic models for adenocarcinoma of oesophagogastric junction patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a real-world study

BACKGROUND

Multimodal therapies based on surgical resection have been recommended for the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction (AEG). We aimed to evaluate prognostic factors in AEG patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and to build predictive models.

METHODS

T3 - T4N + M0 AEG patients with resectable Siewert type II/III tumours were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation, followed by radical surgery or systemic therapy according to clinical response. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method; multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards method was also conducted. The Harrell concordance index (C-index) was used to test the prognostic value of models involving prognostic factors, and consistency between actual and predicted survival rates was evaluated by calibration curves.

RESULTS

From February 2009 to February 2018, 79 patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy; 60 patients of them underwent radical surgery. The R0 resection rate was 98.3%, and 46.7% of patients achieved a major pathologic response (MPR), namely, a residual tumour issue less than 10%. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 63%, and the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 48%. The incidence of grade 3 complications was 21.5%, and no grade 4 complications were reported. According to the results of univariate and multivariate analyses, we included the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), prognostic nutrition index (PNI), eosinophilic granulocyte (EOS) and postoperative pathologic stage in nomogram analysis to establish prediction models for OS and PFS; the C-index of each model was 0.814 and 0.722, respectively. Both the C-index and calibration curves generated to validate consistency between the actual and predicted survival indicated that the models were well calibrated and of good predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

AEG patients achieved favourable downstaging and pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, with acceptable adverse effects. Inflammation-based and nutrition-related factors and postoperative pathologic stage had a significant influence on OS and PFS, and the predictive value was verified through prognostic models.

Association between proton-pump inhibitors and the risk of gastric cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) may be associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (GC).

OBJECTIVE

To review and meta-analyse available literature investigating the association between PPI use and GC risk.

METHODS

Two independent reviewers systematically searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (inception to July 2020) for case-control and cohort studies assessing the association between PPI use and GC according to a predefined protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42018102536). Reviewers independently assessed study quality, extracted data, and meta-analysed available and newly calculated odds ratios (ORs) using a random-effects model, and stratified for GC site (cardia versus non-cardia) and PPI duration (<1 year, 1-3 years, >3 years).

RESULTS

We screened 2,396 records and included five retrospective cohort and eight case-control studies comprising 1,662,881 individuals in our meta-analysis. In random-effect models, we found an increased GC risk in PPI users [OR: 1.94, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.47-2.56] with high statistical heterogeneity (I ² = 82%) and overall moderate risk of bias. Stratified analyses indicated a significant risk increase in non-cardia (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.44-3.36, I ² = 77%) with a similar non-significant trend in cardia regions (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 0.72-4.36, I ² = 66%). There was no GC increase with longer durations of PPI exposure (<1 year: OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 2.13-2.47, I ² = 0%; 1-3 years: OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.53-4.01, I ² = 35%; >3 years: OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 0.56-7.77, I ² = 61%).

CONCLUSION

We found a twofold increased GC risk among PPI users, but this association does not confirm causation and studies are highly heterogeneous. PPI should only be prescribed when strictly indicated.

Prognostic impact of lymph node metastasis along the left gastric artery in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although the incidence of lymph node (LN) metastasis (LNM) along the left gastric artery is high, its relationship with the prognosis in postoperative patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is rarely reported. This study clarified the prognostic impact of LNM along the left gastric artery in postoperative patients with ESCC.

METHODS

This study assessed data of 1521 patients with ESCC who underwent esophagectomy at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between March 1992 and March 2012. A chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to explore the preliminary correlation between clinical factors and LNM along the left gastric artery. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess whether LNM along the left gastric artery was an independent predictor of overall survival. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to present a classifying effect based on LN status.

RESULTS

LNM was observed in 598 patients (39.3%) and was found along the branches of the left gastric artery in 256 patients (16.8%). The patients were classified into two groups based on the presence of LNM along the left gastric artery. Patients without LNM along the left gastric artery had better cancer-specific survival than those with positive LNs (P <  0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that LNM along the left gastric artery was an important independent prognostic factor for long-term survival among ESCC patients (P = 0.011).

CT radiomics features to predict lymph node metastasis in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and to discriminate between regional and non-regional lymph node metastasis: a case control study

Background

Prediction of lymph node status in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is critical for clinical decision making. In clinical practice, computed tomography (CT) has been frequently used to assist in the preoperative staging of ESCC. Texture analysis can provide more information to reflect potential biological heterogeneity based on CT. A nomogram for the preoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in patients with resectable ESCC has been previously developed. However, to the best of our knowledge, no reports focus on developing CT radiomics features to discriminate ESCC patients with regional lymph node metastasis (RLNM) and non-regional lymph node metastasis (NRLNM). We, therefore, aimed to develop CT radiomics models to predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in advanced ESCC and to discriminate ESCC between RLNM and NRLNM.

Methods

This study enrolled 334 patients with pathologically confirmed advanced ESCC, including 152 patients without LNM and 182 patients with LNM, and 103 patients with RLNM and 79 patients NRLNM. Radiomics features were extracted from CT data for each patient. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model and independent samples t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were exploited for dimension reduction and selection of radiomics features. Optimal radiomics features were chosen using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The discriminating performance was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy.

Results

The radiomics features were developed based on multivariable logistic regression and were significantly associated with LNM status in both the training and validation cohorts (P<0.001). The radiomics models could differentiate between patients with and without LNM (AUC =0.79 and 0.75, and accuracy =0.75 and 0.71 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively). In patients with LNM, the radiomics features could effectively differentiate between RLNM and NRLNM (AUC =0.98 and 0.95, and accuracy =0.94 and 0.83 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively).

Conclusions

CT radiomics features could help predict the LNM status of advanced ESCC patients and effectively discriminate ESCC between RLNM and NRLNM.

Preventive procedure for stenosis after esophagojejunostomy using a circular stapler and transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™) following laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and total gastrectomy involving reduction of anastomotic tension

Background

Recently, due to increasing reports of stenosis after esophagojejunostomy created using circular staplers and a transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™) following laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) and total gastrectomy (LTG), linear staplers are being used instead. We investigated our preventive procedure for esophagojejunostomy stenosis following use of circular staplers.

Methods

Since the anastomotic stenosis is considered to be mainly caused by tension in the esophageal and jejunal stumps at the anastomotic site, we have been performing procedures to relieve this tension, by cutting off the rubber band and pushing the shaft of the circular stapler toward the esophageal side, since July 2015. We retrospectively compared the incidence of anastomotic stenosis in cases of LPG and LTG performed before July 2015 (early phase, 30 cases) versus those performed after this period (later phase, 22 cases).

Results

Comparison of the incidence of anastomotic stenosis according to the type of surgery, LPG or LTG, and between the two time periods versus all cases, indicated a significantly lower incidence in the later phase than in the early phase (4.5 vs. 26.7%, p < 0.05), especially for LPG (0 vs. 38.5%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

It is possible to use a circular stapler during laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy, as with open surgery, if steps to reduce tension on the anastomotic site are undertaken. These procedures will contribute to the spread of safe and simple laparoscopic anastomotic techniques.

Curative resection for adenocarcinoma of the gastro-esophageal junction following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy-thoraco-abdominal vs. trans-abdominal approach

PURPOSE

This study compares the short- and long-term outcomes between the left thoraco-abdominal and trans-abdominal approaches for radical resection of adenocarcinoma of the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) (Siewert types II and III) following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients from May 2008 to December 2016. Demographic variables, perioperative outcomes, and survival were compared between two approaches.

RESULTS

Of the 792 patients, who underwent total/proximal gastrectomy during the specified time interval, 162 had Siewert's type II/III lesions, of which 147 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and were included in the study. Ninety-two and 55 patients underwent definitive surgery through trans-abdominal and left thoraco-abdominal approach respectively. On baseline endoscopy, 81.8% of patients in the left thoraco-abdominal group had lower esophageal mucosal infiltration as compared to 41.3% in the trans-abdominal group (p < 0.001). Both groups were comparable in terms of duration of surgery, blood loss, complications, severity of complications (Clavien-Dindo grade), duration of hospital stay, R0 resection rate, length of proximal margin, and lymph node yield. At a median follow-up of 24 months, there was no difference in recurrence rate and survival between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Both left thoraco-abdominal and trans-abdominal are comparable surgical approaches for tumors involving the GEJ in terms of morbidity, perioperative, and long-term oncological outcomes. In patients with lower esophageal involvement, the left thoraco-abdominal approach is a feasible alternative with no added overall morbidity or mortality and can be preferred especially in cases, where a safe proximal margin and anastomosis is deemed technically challenging.

The optimal starting age of endoscopic screening for esophageal squamous cell cancer in high prevalence areas in China

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study aimed to evaluate effects of endoscopic screening method in different starting age groups and further confirm the optimum starting age for esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) screening.

METHODS

This study received institutional review board approval, and 6825 residents aged 40 to 69 years in high prevalence communities were assigned to the screening group or the control (non-screening) group from Hebei, China. Cumulative mortalities during the 14-year period, relative risk for participants who underwent screening, and numbers needed to invite for screening to save one life were compared between the screening group and the control group of different starting age groups at 14-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The 14-year risks of ESCC mortality were one in 55, one in 17, and one in 9 for a person screened in the starting age group of 40, 50, and 60 years old. The cumulative mortalities of ESCC in screening groups were significantly lower than control groups in starting age groups of 40 years (1.42% vs 2.38%, P = 0.033) and 50 years (4.18% vs 7.13%, P = 0.005). Relative risks for participants who underwent screening were 0.60 and 0.59 for the starting age groups of 40 and 50 years. Numbers needed to invite for screening to save one life were 104 and 34 for participants in 40 years old group and 50 years old group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, people in high prevalence area of ESCC should have endoscopy screening once at their 50 years. Forty years will be preferably defined as the starting age for screening in areas with sufficient health resources.

Risk factors and a predictive nomogram for lymph node metastasis of superficial esophagogastric junction cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

No predictive model for lymph node metastasis (LNM) of superficial esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer exists. This study aimed to evaluate incidence, identify risk factors, and develop a predictive nomogram for LNM in patients with superficial EGJ cancers.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for model development and internal validation. Another data set was obtained from two hospitals for external validation. A nomogram was developed based on independent risk factors that resulted from a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Internal and external validations were performed to assess the performance of nomogram model by receiver operating characteristic and calibration plot.

RESULTS

Prevalence of LNM was 11.41% for intramucosal cancer and increased to 26.50% for submucosal cancer. On the multivariate analysis, large tumor size (odds ratio [OR] = 1.42; P < 0.001), moderately and poorly/un-differentiated pathological type (OR = 5.62 and 7.67; P = 0.024 and 0.008, respectively), and submucosal invasion (OR = 2.73; P = 0.004) were independent risk factors of LNM. The nomogram incorporating these three predictors demonstrated good discrimination (area under the estimated receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.74; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.68, 0.80) and calibration (mean absolute error was 0.012). Moreover, the discrimination in the internal and external validation sets was good (AUC: 0.73 [95%CI: 0.66, 0.81] and 0.74 [95%CI: 0.60, 0.89], respectively). Nomogram provided better clinical usefulness as assessed by a decision curve analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of LNM in superficial EGJ cancer was high. The first risk-predictive nomogram model for LNM of superficial EGJ cancer may help clinicians to decide optimal treatment option preoperatively.

Risk Factors and Prognostic Impact of Mediastinal Lymph Node Metastases in Patients with Esophagogastric Junction Cancer

PURPOSE

We retrospectively investigated the risk factors for mediastinal lymph node (MLN) metastasis in esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer with an epicenter within 2 cm above and below the anatomical cardia, including both adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

METHODS

Fifty patients who underwent initial surgery for EGJ cancer from January 2002 to December 2013 were included in this study. We defined metastatic lymph nodes as pathological metastases in resected specimens and recurrence within 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients had AC and 16 had SCC; 24 patients underwent transhiatal resection and 26 underwent transthoracic resection. MLN metastasis was observed in 13 patients (26%) regardless of the histological type, 9 of whom had metastasis in the upper and middle mediastinum. Metastasis occurred when the esophageal invasion length (EIL) exceeded 20 mm. In addition, 10/13 patients had stage pN2-3 cancer. Multivariable analysis identified EIL ≥ 20 mm and stage pN2-3 as significant risk factors for MLN metastasis. The 5-year overall survival was 38% and 65% in the MLN-positive and -negative groups, respectively (p = 0.12). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that only stage pN2-3, and not the presence of MLN metastasis, was a significantly poor prognostic factor.

CONCLUSION

MLN metastasis in EGJ cancer may have a close association with the EIL of the tumor, but the presence of MLN metastasis itself was not a poor prognostic factor. The significance and indications for MLN dissection should be clarified in prospective clinical trials.

Ramucirumab plus paclitaxel or FOLFIRI in platinum-refractory advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma-experience at two centres

Background

Ramucirumab is a VEGFR-2 antibody that has proven to prolong overall survival (OS) in patients with pretreated metastatic gastric/gastrooesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. We present data from patients treated with ramucirumab and paclitaxel or FOLFIRI after failure of at least one platinum- and 5-FU-containing chemotherapy (CHT) regimen.

Methods

In this retrospective two-center study, 56 patients with metastatic gastric cancer (47%) or adenocarcinoma of the GEJ (53%) were treated with paclitaxel and ramucirumab (n=38) as second-line (75%) or beyond second-line (25%) therapy. FOLFIRI-ramucirumab (FOLFIRI-R) (n=16) was given to patients with a short interval between taxane-based perioperative CHT and occurrence of metastatic disease or to those ineligible for paclitaxel.

Results

The median progression-free survival (PFS) and OS for patients treated with paclitaxel-ramucirumab (pacl-R) were 2.9 (95% CI: 2.3-3.6) and 4.4 (4.1-4.7) months, respectively, and those for patients treated with FOLFIRI-R were 5.9 (95% CI: 0.35-11.4) and 8.3 (6.6-10) months, respectively (P=0.05). We observed a trend towards prolonged PFS after perioperative taxane-based FLOT CHT (n=12) with FOLFIRI-R compared with pacl-R. Adverse events were manageable, with neutropenia and polyneuropathy (PNP) being the most common events. More than two treatment lines were given to 48.2% of patients.

Conclusions

The use of ramucirumab in combination with FOLFIRI showed favourable PFS and OS in patients with prior treatments with platinum and/or taxane-based agents and allows further treatment lines after progression. In patients with taxane pretreatment or persistent high-grade PNP, the combination of FOLFIRI-R might be a promising combination.

Therapeutic options for early cancer of the esophagogastric junction

Early-stage (T1) esophagogastric junction cancer continues to represent 2-3% of all cases. Adenocarcinoma is the most frequent and important type, the main risk factors for which are gastroesophageal reflux and Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia. Patients with mucosal (T1a) or submucosal (T1b) involvement initially require a thorough digestive endoscopy, and narrow-band imaging can improve visualization. Endoscopic treatment of these lesions includes endoscopic mucosal resection, radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic submucosal dissection. Accurate staging is necessary in order to provide optimal treatment. The most precise staging technique in these cases is endoscopic ultrasound. The suspicion of deep invasion of the submucosa, presence of unfavorable anatomopathological characteristics or impossibility to perform endoscopic resection make it necessary to consider surgical resection.

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.

Surgical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer

Although the incidence of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma has been increasing worldwide, no standardized surgical strategy for its treatment has been established. This study aimed to provide an update on the surgical treatment of GEJ adenocarcinoma by reviewing previous reports and propose recommended surgical approaches. The Siewert classification is widely used for determining which surgical procedure is used, because previous studies have shown that the pattern of lymph node (LN) metastasis depends on tumor location. In terms of surgical approaches for GEJ adenocarcinoma, a consensus was reached based on two randomized controlled trials. Siewert types I and III are treated as esophageal cancer and gastric cancer, respectively. Although no consensus has been reached regarding the treatment of Siewert type II, several retrospective studies suggested that the optimal treatment strategy includes paraaortic LN dissection. Against this background, a Japanese nationwide prospective trial is being conducted to determine the proportion of LN metastasis in GEJ cancers and to identify the optimal extent of LN dissection in each type.

Functional evaluations comparing the double-tract method and the jejunal interposition method following laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an investigation including laparoscopic total gastrectomy

Purpose

Functional outcomes were prospectively compared between two types of reconstruction [double tract (L-DT; n = 15) and jejunal interposition (L-JIP; n = 15)] following laparoscopic half-proximal gastrectomy (LPG), including laparoscopic total gastrectomy (L-TG; n = 30) as a control group, at 1 year after surgery.

Methods

Clinical investigations were performed in each patient, and functional evaluations, involving the swallowing of an alimentary liquid containing acetaminophen (AAP), followed by measurements of the concentrations of AAP and hormones in the sitting (n = 5) and in the supine positions (n = 5), were carried out in each group.

Results

The post-/preoperative body weight ratios were significantly higher in the L-DT and L-JIP groups than in the L-TG group. The AAP levels were significantly lower in the LPG group than in the LTG group. The AAP, insulin, and gastrin levels in the L-JIP group were markedly increased in the sitting position compared with the supine position, while those in the L-DT and L-TG groups were stable in both positions.

Conclusions

L-JIP and L-DT are procedures that maintain gradual intestinal absorption and help improve the quality of life. Intestinal absorption and hormonal secretion were relatively unaffected by the posture of the meal intake after L-DT, so L-DT might be the procedure providing the most stable results.

Primary tumor microRNA signature predicts recurrence and survival in patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is an aggressive cancer necessitating the development of improved risk stratification tools for personalized care. Previously, microRNAs have been shown to correlate with the progression and prognosis of various cancer types; however, the value in EAC remains largely unexplored. We performed global microRNA profiling on 32 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded EAC specimens to identify microRNAs associated with progression. Literature search and pathway analysis further refined output to five significantly deregulated candidate biomarkers. Four of the five microRNAs (miR-652-5p, miR-7-2-3p, miR-3925-3p, and miR-219-3p) were validated by qRT-PCR. Survival outcomes were evaluated in testing set of 26 stage II/III EAC patients to determine the prognostic relevance of the selected microRNAs. In the testing set, miR-652-5p and miR-7-2-3p expressions were significantly associated with progression-free survival (p-value = .00771 and p-value = .00293). The highest area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.8212 for the combination of miR-652-5p and miR-7-2-3p. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the miR-652-5p/miR-7-2-3p signature may serve as a promising prognostic marker in patients with locally advanced EAC.

Outcomes of abdominal esophageal cancer patients who were treated with esophagectomy

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the characteristics and outcomes of abdominal esophageal cancer patients who were treated with esophagectomy. The records of 210 esophagectomy patients were retrospectively reviewed and the differences in postoperative outcomes and disease-specific survival between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were evaluated. Of the 20 abdominal esophageal cancer patients, 11 had squamous cell carcinoma, 8 had adenocarcinoma and 1 had adenosquamous cell carcinoma. The body mass index and serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the squamous cell carcinoma patients compared with those in the adenocarcinoma patients, and abdominal lymph node metastasis was significantly more frequent in the adenocarcinoma patients. Early recurrence occurred in 5 patients who had postoperative surgical site infection, microscopic residual cancer, and mediastinal lymph node metastasis. A Kaplan-Meier curve indicated a significantly shorter survival time in patients who underwent surgery with a thoraco-abdominal approach, who had postoperative complications, and who had microscopic residual cancer. This study demonstrated the significance of R0 resection and prevention of postoperative complications in improving the prognosis of patients with abdominal esophageal cancer.

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Esophageal Carcinoma: Applications and Limitations

Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma represent approximately 98% of esophageal malignant tumors. During the last 30 years, the incidence of adenocarcinoma has increased in Western countries (including the USA) where adenocarcinoma currently represents more than 60% of esophageal malignancies, although, worldwide, squamous cell carcinoma continues to be the predominant histologic type. Integrated positron emission tomography or computed tomography with 2-[fluorine18] fluro-2-deoxy-d-glucose is used in many institutions routinely as a tool in the initial staging and then repeated after therapy for the assessment of response to neoadjuvant therapy and detection of recurrent disease in patients with esophageal carcinoma. As with any other imaging modality, 2-[fluorine18] fluro-2-deoxy-d-glucose-positron emission tomography or computed tomography has strengths and limitations that should be understood in order to maximize its utility.

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.

RNA sequencing of esophageal adenocarcinomas identifies novel fusion transcripts, including NPC1-MELK, arising from a complex chromosomal rearrangement

BACKGROUND

Studies of chromosomal rearrangements and fusion transcripts have elucidated mechanisms of tumorigenesis and led to targeted cancer therapies. This study was aimed at identifying novel fusion transcripts in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

METHODS

To identify new fusion transcripts associated with EAC, targeted RNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) verification were performed in 40 EACs and matched nonmalignant specimens from the same patients. Genomic PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to find the breakpoint of fusion genes.

RESULTS

Five novel in-frame fusion transcripts were identified and verified in 40 EACs and in a validation cohort of 15 additional EACs (55 patients in all): fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2)-GRB2-associated binding protein 2 (GAB2) in 2 of 55 or 3.6%, Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1)-maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) in 2 of 55 or 3.6%, ubiquitin-specific peptidase 54 (USP54)-calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II γ (CAMK2G) in 2 of 55 or 3.6%, megakaryoblastic leukemia (translocation) 1 (MKL1)-fibulin 1 (FBLN1) in 1 of 55 or 1.8%, and CCR4-NOT transcription complex subunit 2 (CNOT2)-chromosome 12 open reading frame 49 (C12orf49) in 1 of 55 or 1.8%. A genomic analysis indicated that NPC1-MELK arose from a complex interchromosomal translocation event involving chromosomes 18, 3, and 9 with 3 rearrangement points, and this was consistent with chromoplexy.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that fusion transcripts occur at a stable frequency in EAC. Furthermore, our results indicate that chromoplexy is an underlying mechanism that generates fusion transcripts in EAC. These and other fusion transcripts merit further study as diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in EAC. Cancer 2017;123:3916-24. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

RNA sequencing of esophageal adenocarcinomas identifies novel fusion transcripts, including NPC1-MELK, arising from a complex chromosomal rearrangement

BACKGROUND

Studies of chromosomal rearrangements and fusion transcripts have elucidated mechanisms of tumorigenesis and led to targeted cancer therapies. This study was aimed at identifying novel fusion transcripts in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

METHODS

To identify new fusion transcripts associated with EAC, targeted RNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) verification were performed in 40 EACs and matched nonmalignant specimens from the same patients. Genomic PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to find the breakpoint of fusion genes.

RESULTS

Five novel in-frame fusion transcripts were identified and verified in 40 EACs and in a validation cohort of 15 additional EACs (55 patients in all): fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2)-GRB2-associated binding protein 2 (GAB2) in 2 of 55 or 3.6%, Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1)-maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) in 2 of 55 or 3.6%, ubiquitin-specific peptidase 54 (USP54)-calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II γ (CAMK2G) in 2 of 55 or 3.6%, megakaryoblastic leukemia (translocation) 1 (MKL1)-fibulin 1 (FBLN1) in 1 of 55 or 1.8%, and CCR4-NOT transcription complex subunit 2 (CNOT2)-chromosome 12 open reading frame 49 (C12orf49) in 1 of 55 or 1.8%. A genomic analysis indicated that NPC1-MELK arose from a complex interchromosomal translocation event involving chromosomes 18, 3, and 9 with 3 rearrangement points, and this was consistent with chromoplexy.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that fusion transcripts occur at a stable frequency in EAC. Furthermore, our results indicate that chromoplexy is an underlying mechanism that generates fusion transcripts in EAC. These and other fusion transcripts merit further study as diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in EAC. Cancer 2017;123:3916-24. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

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.

CD24 Expression Is Increased in 5-Fluorouracil-Treated Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells

The cancer stem cell (CSC) model suggests that there are subsets of cells within a tumor with increased proliferation and self-renewal capacity, which play a key role in therapeutic resistance. The importance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in carcinogenesis has been previously established and the use of COX-2 inhibitors as celecoxib has been shown to exert antitumor effects. The present study investigated whether treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cells with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or the growth of tumor spheres increased the proportion of CSCs and also if treatment with celecoxib was able to reduce the putative CSC markers in this tumor. OE19 and OE33 EAC cells surviving 5-FU exposure exhibited an increase in CSC markers CD24 and ABCG2 and also an increased resistance to apoptosis. EAC cell lines had the capacity to form multiple spheres displaying typical CSC functionalities such as self-renewal and increased CD24 levels. In addition, after the induction of differentiation, cancer cells reached levels of CD24 similar to those observed in the parental cells. Treatment with celecoxib alone or in combination with 5-FU also resulted in a reduction of CD24 expression. Moreover, celecoxib inhibited the growth of tumor spheres. These findings showing a reduction in CSC markers induced by celecoxib suggest that the COX-2 inhibitor might be a candidate for combined chemotherapy in the treatment of EAC. However, additional clinical and experimental studies are needed.

Columnar Metaplasia in Three Types of Surgical Mouse Models of Esophageal Reflux

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Esophageal adenocarcinoma develops in the setting of gastroesophageal reflux and columnar metaplasia in distal esophagus. Columnar metaplasia arising in gastroesophageal reflux models has developed in rat; however, gastroesophageal reflux models in mice have not been well-characterized.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-five C57Bl/6J mice aged 8 weeks old were divided into the following operations: esophagogastrojejunostomy (side-to-side) (EGJ), esophageal separation and esophagojejunostomy (end-to-side) (EJ), and EJ and gastrectomy (end-to-side) (EJ/TG). The animals were euthanized after 40 weeks and the histology of the junction was examined. Immunohistochemistry for p53, PDX-1, and CDX-2 was performed.

RESULTS

Metaplasia developed in 15/33 (45.5%) of EGJ, 0/38 (0%) of EJ, and 6/39 (15.4%) of EJ/TG (P < .05) and dysplasia developed 7/33 (21.2%) of EGJ, 0% of EJ, and 1/39 (2.6%) of EJ/TG. p53 was positive in all of the dysplastic regions, 12/15 (80%) metaplasias in the EGJ model, and 1/6 (16.7%) metaplasia in the EJ/TG model. CDX-2 was positive in all cases of metaplasias, but decreased in some cases of dysplasia. PDX-1 was positive in 7/8 (88%) cases of dysplasia and in 15/21 (71%) cases of metaplasia (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The EGJ model, which causes reflux of gastric acid and duodenal content, developed metaplasia and dysplasia most frequently. No metaplasia developed in the EJ model in which gastric juice and duodenal content mixed before reflux. Thus, duodenal contents alone can induce columnar metaplasia and dysplasia; however, the combination of gastric acid with duodenal content reflux can cause metaplasia and dysplasia more efficiently.

A Multi-Institutional Study Comparing the Use of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th Edition Esophageal versus Gastric Staging System for Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer in a Western Population

Controversy exists over the staging of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinomas. The aim of our study was to assess the adequacy of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition esophageal (E7) and gastric (G7) staging systems for GEJ tumors in a western population. All patients with GEJ adenocarcinoma who underwent curative resection from 2000 to 2012 were identified from the United States Gastric Cancer Collaborative database and assessed according to the E7 and G7 systems. Fifty-one patients were identified. Neither the E7 nor G7 system adequately stratified patients by Tor N stage with a loss of distinctiveness between T1 to 4 and N0 to 3 tumors. On final stage analysis, the outcomes were similar between both systems; however, neither system, with the exception of the G7 stage I versus II, adequately stratified patients by stage (E7: I vs II, P = 0.07; II vs III, P = 0.23; G7: I vs II, P = 0.02; II vs III, P = 0.13). Histologic grade was not associated with survival (P = 0.27) and did not improve the ability to stratify patients in the E7 system. Our study identifies limitations in the proper stratification of patients with GEJ adenocarcinoma using either the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th esophageal or gastric systems. The classification of GEJ adenocarcinoma within either system needs to be further studied in a larger patient population.

Preoperative pre-albumin predicts prognosis of patients after gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction

Background

Adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) was initially proposed in 1999 by Siewert. During recent decades, the incidence and prevalence of AEG were arising globally whereas the incidence of gastric cancer is gradually declining. Complete blood counting and liver function tests, as the routine examination of immune and nutritional status, were reported to be the predictors of overall survival (OS) in some tumors. However, little is known about the prognostic significance of these indexes in AEG patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the prediction of preoperative pre-albumin, hemoglobin, and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) for survival outcomes in AEG patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 101 AEG patients followed by radical surgery was recruited between January and July 2010. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained and used to evaluate the predictive value through survival analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined 200 mg/L, 120 g/L, 5 cm, and 51 as the cutoff values of pre-albumin, hemoglobin, tumor size, and PNI, respectively.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that AEG patients with hemoglobin ≥120 g/L, albumin ≥40 g/L, pre-albumin ≥200 g/L, PNI ≥51, and tumor size <5 cm had longer OS (P < 0.05). Additionally, pre-albumin, tumor size, and TNM stage were demonstrated to be independent prognostic indicators by multivariate analysis with Cox regression, and the performance of pre-albumin for predicting OS in AEG patients was further identified by ROC curves (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Preoperative pre-albumin was an independent prognostic factor, and a high level of pre-albumin predicted longer OS in AEG patients.

Esophagectomy and Gastric Pull-through Procedures: Surgical Techniques, Imaging Features, and Potential Complications

Esophagectomy takes the center stage in the curative treatment of local and local-regional esophageal cancer. It is a complex procedure with a high postoperative complication rate. When interpreting imaging studies, radiologists must understand the surgical techniques used and their potential complications. The most common surgical techniques are transthoracic esophagectomies, such as the Ivor Lewis and McKeown techniques, and transhiatal esophagectomy. Variations of these techniques include different choices of conduit (ie, stomach, colon, or jejunum) to serve in lieu of the resected esophagus. Postoperative imaging and accurate interpretation is vital in the aftercare of these patients. Chest radiographs, esophagrams, and computed tomographic images play an essential role in early identification of complications. Pulmonary complications and anastomotic leaks are the leading causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality secondary to esophagectomy. Other complications include technical and functional problems and delayed complications such as anastomotic strictures and disease recurrence. An esophagographic technique is described that is performed by using hand injection of contrast material into an indwelling nasogastric tube. Familiarity with the various types of esophagectomy and an understanding of possible complications are of utmost importance for radiologists and allow them to be key participants in the treatment of patients undergoing these complicated procedures.

Proximal Resection Margin in Ivor-Lewis Oesophagectomy for Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a long proximal oesophageal resection margin (PRM) is associated with improved survival after oesophagectomy for cancer and to identify the optimal margin to aim for in this patient group.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database identified 174 patients who underwent Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy for cancer. Demographic, clinical, and pathological data were collected. X-tile software was used to identify the optimal resection point. Two models were analysed: single point resection with comparison of two groups (short and long), and two resection points with three groups (short, medium, and long) to provide a range.

RESULTS

The median PRM was 4.0 cm (interquartile range: 2.5-6.0 cm). After adjustment for significant confounders, multivariable Cox PH analysis demonstrated that the optimal resection margin was 1.7 cm, and in the three-group analysis the optimum PRM was between 1.7 and 3 cm. In the two-group analysis, the long margin had no effect on DFS (p = 0.37), but carried a significantly improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.46, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.25-0.87, p = 0.02). In the three-group analysis, the medium and long groups had improved OS compared with the short group (on average 54 %, HR ≥ 0.45, p ≤ 0.04). The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates were highest in the medium PRM group (48 and 57 % respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal survival following oesophagectomy for cancer is achieved with a PRM > 1.7 cm, but a PRM > 3 cm does not yield a further survival advantage. Thus, the optimal PRM is likely to be between 1.7 and 3 cm.

Rare Presentation of Gastroesophageal Carcinoma with Rectal Metastasis: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal cancers, previously considered rare, are rapidly increasing worldwide. We present here a unique case of gastroesophageal carcinoma with metastasis to the rectum. CASE REPORT A 60-year-old female patient presented with constipation, bloating, and weight loss of 4-month duration. She had undergone sleeve gastrectomy 6 years before. Endoscopies performed revealed a friable-looking mucosa in the lower esophagus and a polypoid rectal mass. Histopathological examination from both the esophageal and rectal lesions revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells. Immunohistochemistry stain from both specimens was positive for CK7 supporting the gastric site primary with metastasis to the rectum. Further evaluation also revealed metastasis to bone and malignant pleural effusion. Chemotherapy with palliative intent was initiated. CONCLUSIONS Colorectal metastasis is commonly seen from cancers of the breast, stomach, melanoma, kidney, prostate, and ovaries. However, colorectal metastasis from gastroesophageal cancer has never been reported in the medical literature. Diagnosis relies on histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical staining of the tumor. Treatment depends on the tumor stage. Tumors with widespread metastatic disease are candidates for palliative chemotherapy.

Proximal gastrectomy versus total gastrectomy for proximal third gastric cancer: total gastrectomy is not always necessary

BACKGROUND

The appropriate extent of gastric resection for patients with proximal third gastric cancer is controversial. This study addresses whether the choice of surgical strategy (proximal gastrectomy [PG] versus total gastrectomy [TG]) influences the outcomes for proximal third gastric adenocarcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Review of prospective database at Tata Memorial Hospital from January 2010 to December 2012 identified 343 patients diagnosed and treated for gastric cancer. Of these, 75 underwent curative resections with D2 lymphadenectomy for proximal third gastric adenocarcinoma, which entailed proximal gastrectomy in 43 and total gastrectomy in 32 patients, depending on the epicenter of the primary and its relation with the mid-body of the stomach. Morbidity, lymph node yield, resection margins, patterns of recurrence, and survival were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

41/75 tumors were pT3 (23 cases [53.4 %] in the PG and 18 cases [56.3 %] in the TG group). Thirty-six patients [83.7 %] in PG and 29 patients [90.6 %] in TG group received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). There were no significant differences with regard to median blood loss, general complication rates and length of hospitalization between the two groups. The lymph node yield was comparable between the two procedures [PG = 14; TG = 15]. Positive proximal resection margin rates were comparable between the two groups [PG = 4.7 %; TG = 9.4 %], and there was no statistical difference observed in the distal resection margin positivity rates [PG = 4.7 %; TG = 3.1 %]. Regarding the patterns of recurrence, local recurrence in PG was 4.7 % and there was no local recurrence in the TG group (p = 0.08). Distant recurrence rates was dominant in TG [PG = 30.2 % versus TG = 53.1 %]. The overall 2-year survival following PG and TG was 73.8 and 49.9 %, respectively, and not statistically different (p = 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of resection for proximal third gastric cancer does not influence the clinical outcome. PG and TG have similar survival rates. Both procedures can be accomplished safely. Therefore, PG should be an alternative to TG, even in locally advanced proximal gastric cancers treated by NACT, provided that the tumor size and location permit preservation of adequate remnant of stomach without compromising oncological resection margins. Future QOL studies would further lend credence to the concept of PG for proximal third gastric cancer.

Esophageal Cancer: Role of Imaging in Primary Staging and Response Assessment Post Neoadjuvant Therapy

Advances in the early detection and treatment of esophageal cancer have meant improved survival rates for patients with esophageal cancer. Accurate pretreatment and post-neoadjuvant treatment staging of esophageal cancer is essential for assessing operability and determining the optimum treatment plan. This article reviews the multimodality imaging approach in the diagnosis, staging, and assessment of treatment response in esophageal cancer.

Impact of peritumoral and intratumoral budding in esophageal adenocarcinomas

Tumor budding has prognostic significance in many carcinomas and is defined as the presence of detached isolated single cells or small cell clusters up to 5 cells at the invasion front (peritumoral budding [PTB]) or within the tumor (intratumoral budding [ITB]). For esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs), there are currently only few data about the impact of this morphological feature. We investigated tumor budding in a large collective of 200 primarily resected EACs. Pancytokeratin staining was demonstrated to be superior to hematoxylin and eosin staining for the detection of buds with substantial to excellent interobserver agreement and used for subsequent analysis. PTB and ITB were scored across 10 high-power fields (HPFs). The median count of tumor buds was 130/10 HPFs for PTB (range, 2-593) and 80/10 HPFs for ITB (range, 1-656). PTB and ITB correlated significantly with each other (r = 0.9; P < .001). High PTB and ITB rates were seen in more advanced tumor categories (P < .001 each); tumors with lymph node metastases (P < .001/P = .002); and lymphatic, vascular, and perineural invasion and higher tumor grading (P < .001 each). Survival analysis showed an association with worse survival for high-grade ITB (P = .029) but not PTB (P = .385). However, in multivariate analysis, lymph node and resection status, but not ITB, were independent prognostic parameters. In conclusion, PTB and ITB can be observed in EAC to various degrees. High-grade budding is associated with aggressive tumor phenotype. Assessment of tumor budding, especially ITB, may provide additional prognostic information about tumor behavior and may be useful in specific cases for risk stratification of EAC patients.

Staging of adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction

BACKGROUND

Clinical staging of adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) determines the curative treatment regimen containing either neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy followed by either gastrectomy or esophagectomy. The value of current diagnostic tools is a matter of debate.

METHODS

A prospective database (2003-2013) was used to identify 266 consecutive patients with adenocarcinoma of the GEJ in order to evaluate the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT) regarding tumor localization according to Siewert, nodal status and its consequences on treatment strategy.

RESULTS

Overall accuracy in determining tumor localization was 73% for endoscopy/EUS and 61% for CT (p = 0.018). With endoscopy/EUS, the accuracy was 97%, 66% and 75% respectively for type I, II and III. With CT this was respectively 69%, 57% and 80%. The overall accuracy for determining N-status (N0/N+) per patient was 75% for EUS and 71% for CT. Accuracy for determining a positive nodal station in patients without neoadjuvant therapy was 77% for EUS and 71% for CT (p = 0.001). Accuracy for detecting positive upper mediastinal nodes was 80-92%, whereas for peritumoral and abdominal nodes this was 50-80% in both EUS and CT. In 8/266 patients (3%) the type of surgery changed due to intraoperative findings. A radical resection was performed in 233 patients (88%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the suboptimal accuracy of determining tumor localization with EUS and CT, in only a small number of patients an intraoperative change of surgical treatment was needed. EUS is superior to CT in determining nodal status and tumor localization in GEJ tumors.

Adjuvant Therapy for Positive Nodes After Induction Therapy and Resection of Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The value of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with positive lymph nodes (+LNs) after induction therapy and resection of esophageal cancer is controversial. This study assesses survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in this cohort.

METHODS

We analyzed our single-institution database for patients with +LNs after induction therapy and resection of primary esophageal cancer between 2000 and 2013. Factors associated with survival were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

A total of 101 of 764 esophagectomy patients received induction and had +LNs on final pathologic examination. Forty-five also received adjuvant therapy: 37 of 45 (82%) received chemotherapy alone, 1 of 45 (2%) received radiation alone, and 7 of 45 (16%) received both. Pathologic stage was IIB in 21 (47%), IIIA in 19 (42%), and IIIB in 5 (11%). In 56 node-positive patients with induction but not adjuvant therapy, pathologic stage was IIB in 28 (50%), IIIA in 18 (32%), IIIB in 7 (13%), and IIIC in 3 (5%). Neither age nor comorbidity score differed between cohorts. Adjuvant patients experienced a shorter hospital length of stay (mean, 10 days [range, 6 to 33 days] versus 11 days [range, 7 to 67 days]; p = 0.03]. Median survival favored the adjuvant group: 24.0 months (95% confidence interval, 16.6 to 32.2 months) versus 18.0 months (95% confidence interval, 11.1 to 25.0 months); p = 0.033). Multivariate Cox regression identified adjuvant therapy, length of stay, and number of +LNs as influential for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal management of node-positive patients after induction therapy and esophagectomy remains unclear, but in this series, adjuvant therapy, length of stay, and number of +LNs impacted survival. A prospective trial may reduce potential bias and guide the evaluation of adjuvant therapy in this patient population.

New TNM staging system for esophageal cancer: what chest radiologists need to know

Esophageal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and the 5-year relative survival rate remains less than 20% in the United States. The treatment of esophageal cancer should be stage specific for better clinical outcomes. Recent treatment paradigms tend to involve a multimodality approach to management, which includes surgical resection and preoperative or definitive chemoradiation therapy. Accurate pretreatment staging of esophageal cancer is integral for assessing operability and determining a suitable treatment plan. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) have published the seventh edition of the staging manual for cancer in the esophagus and esophagogastric junction. Unlike the sixth edition, the revised staging manual is data driven and harmonized with the staging of stomach cancer. Improvements include new definitions for the anatomic classifications Tis, T4, regional lymph node, N, and M and the addition of nonanatomic cancer characteristics (histopathologic cell type, histologic grade, and cancer location). Given the recent increase in the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus, esophagogastric junction, and gastric cardia, the staging of tumors in the esophagogastric junction has been addressed. Radiologists must understand the details of the seventh edition of the AJCC-UICC staging system for esophageal cancer and use appropriate imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), endoscopic ultrasonography, and positron emission tomography/CT, for initial staging.

Distribution of involved abdominal lymph nodes is correlated with the distance from the esophagogastric junction to the distal end of the tumor in Siewert type II tumors

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical approach for Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) has not yet been agreed. Here we investigated whether the distance from the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to the distal end of the tumor was related to the distribution of involved abdominal lymph nodes in Siewert type II tumors.

METHODS

A total of 288 patients with pT2-4 AEG Siewert II, treated by R0 surgical resection at 7 institutions in Japan, were retrospectively investigated. The distribution of involved abdominal nodes was correlated with the distance from the EGJ to the distal end of the tumor.

RESULTS

In patients where the distance from the EGJ to the distal end of the tumor was ≤30 mm, the frequency of nodal involvement along the greater curvature or antrum was low (2.2%). In contrast, in patients where the distance was >50 mm, the incidence of this nodal involvement was 20.0%. In patients where the distance was 30-50 mm incidence was intermediate (8.0%). Multivariate analyses showed that the distance from the EGJ to the distal end of the tumor was significantly related to lymph node involvement along the greater curvature or antrum (odds ratio 3.7, 95% confidence interval 1.3-11, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

When the distance from the EGJ to the distal end of the tumor is ≤ 30 mm for Siewert II AEG, esophagectomy or proximal gastrectomy is sufficient from the point of view of abdominal lymphadenectomy. However, a total gastrectomy should be considered for abdominal lymphadenectomy when this distance is > 50 mm.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for resectable esophago-gastric adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background

The efficacy and safety of preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for advanced esophago-gastric adenocarcinoma are still in question, and the prognosis of these patients is poor.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases from January 1990 to July 2014. The primary outcome was overall survival. The secondary outcomes were a R0 resection rate, positive rate of lymph node metastasis, postoperative recurrence rate, pathological complete response (pCR) rate and perioperative mortality. Overall survival was measured with a hazard ratio (HR), while other secondary outcomes were measured with an odds ratio (OR).

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 1085 patients were searched and, of these, 869 had adenocarcinoma. Patients receiving preoperative CRT had a longer overall survival (HR 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.88), higher likelihood of R0 resection and greater chance of pCR, while they had a lower likelihood of lymph node metastasis and postoperative recurrence. The difference of perioperative mortality was non-significant. In addition, the result of the comparison between preoperative CRT and preoperative chemotherapy (CT) in two RCTs was non-significant.

Conclusion

Patients with resectable esophago-gastric adenocarcinoma can gain a survival advantage from preoperative CRT. However, limited to the number of RCTs, the effect of adding radiotherapy to preoperative CT separately is still uncertain and more high-quality prospective trials are needed.

Patient and tumour characteristics as prognostic markers for oesophageal cancer: a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients at Groote Schuur Hospital

OBJECTIVES

In addition to the high incidence of squamous carcinoma of the oesophagus among South African men, the neoplasm is also characterized by an exceptionally latent course and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to review a cohort of patients with carcinoma of the oesophagus presenting to the Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town and evaluate patient and tumour characteristics for their role as prognostic markers for survival.

METHODS

Information on patients was extracted from a database established and maintained over a 30-year period. Information for the analysis included patient demographics, clinical symptoms at presentation, tumour characteristics and treatment decisions. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 5 applying chi-square and Kaplan-Meier tests.

RESULTS

Data were available on 1868 patients. The majority of patients were Black African men and the predominant histology was squamous cell carcinoma. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the survival of patients with respect to race (P < 0.001), performance status (P < 0.001), weight loss (P = 0.001) and prior tuberculosis diagnosis (P = 0.007). Tumour characteristics that were significantly associated with survival were histological type, tumour size and site. Gender, prior cancer, smoking status and tumour-related pain did not show significant association with survival in patients with oesophageal cancer. Only 19.8% of the patients were candidates for potentially curative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis shows that there are prominent patient and tumour characteristics that are significantly associated with survival with respect to oesophageal carcinoma. The inclusion of these factors in the initial assessment of patients may assist with appropriate treatment decisions.

Clinical predictors of early cancer-related mortality following neoadjuvant therapy and oesophagectomy

OBJECTIVES

Although oesophagectomy can be curative for patients with oesophageal cancer (OC), it may be associated with high morbidity and decreased quality of life. Identifying risk factors for early systemic progression or death after oesophagectomy may help to guide treatment choices in at-risk patients.

METHODS

Patients undergoing oesophagectomy following neoadjuvant therapy for OC (November 1987 to January 2013) were reviewed, excluding deaths ≤3 months. Univariate predictors of death ≤1 year of operation were explored by logistic regression. Significant predictors (P ≤ 0.10) were included in a multivariate model. A risk factor index was created based on the number of significant risk factors in individual patients.

RESULTS

Of 581 patients, 238 had neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemotherapy and radiation followed by oesophagectomy. Of these, 15% (n = 36) died ≤1 year following oesophagectomy and 69% of those from documented cancer recurrence. Clinical predictors of death ≤1 year by multivariate analysis included performance status >0 (HR 2.19; CI 1.02-4.69), poor (G3) tumour differentiation (HR 2.67; CI 1.14-6.21) and lack of clinical response (no response or progression versus complete and partial response) to neoadjuvant therapy (HR 2.77; CI 1.07-7.15). For patients with all factors evaluable (n = 167), variables were summed to derive a cumulative risk factor index, 0-3. An increased risk factor index (≥2) was highly associated with increased risk of death ≤1 year postoperatively (HR 4.84; CI 1.93-12.16), as well as with poor overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically defined risk factors that predict early mortality following oesophagectomy include performance status, poor tumour differentiation and clinical response. In patients with at least two of these risk factors, 29% will die within 1 year of surgery. These patients should be identified and individual consideration given to less morbid surgical strategies or to alternative treatments.

Prognostic value of subcarinal lymph node metastasis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

The 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual for esophageal cancer (EC) categorizes N stage according to the number of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs), irrespective of the site. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of subcarinal LN metastasis in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 507 consecutive patients with ESCC was conducted. Potential clinicopathological factors that could influence subcarinal LN metastasis were statistically analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also performed to evaluate the prognostic parameters for survival.

RESULTS

The frequency of subcarinal LN metastasis was 22.9% (116/507). Logistic regression analysis showed that tumor length (>3 cm vs ≤ 3 cm; P=0.027), tumor location (lower vs upper/middle; P=0.009), vessel involvement (Yes vs No; P=0.001) and depth of invasion (T3-4a vs T1-2; P=0.012) were associated with 2.085-, 1.810-, 2.535- and 2.201- fold increases, respectively, for risk of subcarinal LN metastasis. Multivariate analyses showed that differentiation (poor vs well/moderate; P=0.001), subcarinal LN metastasis (yes vs no; P=0.033), depth of invasion (T3-4a vs T1-2; P=0.014) and N staging (N1-3 vs N0; P=0.001) were independent prognostic factors. In addition, patients with subcarinal LN metastasis had a significantly lower 5-year cumulative survival rate than those without (26.7% vs 60.9%; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Subcarinal LN metastasis is a predictive factor for long-term survival in patients with ESCC.

Status and prognosis of lymph node metastasis in patients with cardia cancer - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) has a poor prognosis and survival rates significantly decreases if lymph node metastasis is present. An extensive lymphadenectomy may increase chances of cure, but may also lead to further postoperative morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the optimal treatment of cardia cancer remains controversial. A systematic review of English publications dealing with adenocarcinoma of the cardia was conducted to elucidate patterns of nodal spread and prognostic implications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search based on PRISMA guidelines identifying relevant studies describing lymph node metastasis and the associated prognosis. Lymph node stations were classified according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association guidelines.

RESULTS

The highest incidence of metastasis is seen in the nearest regional lymph nodes, station no. 1-3 and additionally in no. 7, 9 and 11. Correspondingly the best survival is seen when metastasis remain in the most locoregional nodes and survival equally tends to decrease as the metastasis become more distant. Furthermore, the presence of lymph node metastasis significantly correlates to the TNM-stage. Incidences of metastasis in mediastinal lymph nodes are associated with poor survival.

CONCLUSION

The best survival rates is seen when lymph node metastasis remains locoregional and survival rates decreases when distant lymph node metastasis is present. The dissection of locoregional lymph nodes offers significantly therapeutic benefit, but larger and prospective studies are needed to evaluate the effect of dissecting distant and mediastinal lymph nodes.