Treatment utilization and outcomes in elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma: a review of the National Cancer Database

Pairwise machine learning-based automatic diagnostic platform utilizing CT images and clinical information for predicting radiotherapy locoregional recurrence in elderly esophageal cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and accuracy of predicting locoregional recurrence (LR) in elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) who underwent radical radiotherapy using a pairwise machine learning algorithm.

METHODS

The 130 datasets enrolled were randomly divided into a training set and a testing set in a 7:3 ratio. Clinical factors were included and radiomics features were extracted from pretreatment CT scans using pyradiomics-based software, and a pairwise naive Bayes (NB) model was developed. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). To facilitate practical application, we attempted to construct an automated esophageal cancer diagnosis system based on trained models.

RESULTS

To the follow-up date, 64 patients (49.23%) had experienced LR. Ten radiomics features and two clinical factors were selected for modeling. The model demonstrated good prediction performance, with area under the ROC curve of 0.903 (0.829-0.958) for the training cohort and 0.944 (0.849-1.000) for the testing cohort. The corresponding accuracies were 0.852 and 0.914, respectively. Calibration curves showed good agreement, and DCA curve confirmed the clinical validity of the model. The model accurately predicted LR in elderly patients, with a positive predictive value of 85.71% for the testing cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The pairwise NB model, based on pre-treatment enhanced chest CT-based radiomics and clinical factors, can accurately predict LR in elderly patients with ESCC. The esophageal cancer automated diagnostic system embedded with the pairwise NB model holds significant potential for application in clinical practice.

Surgical vs nonsurgical treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in patients older than 70 years: a propensity score matching analysis

PURPOSE

With the rising life expectancy and an aging population, it has become increasingly important to investigate treatments suitable for older adult patients with esophageal cancer. This study investigated whether older adult patients who underwent esophagectomy had better clinical outcomes than those who were nonsurgically treated.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who were 70 years or older and underwent esophagectomy, radiotherapy (RT), and/or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) between January 2018 and December 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the surgery group (S group) and the nonsurgery group (NS group). We then compared the clinical outcomes of the 2 groups.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up duration of 36.6 months, the S group showed better overall survival (OS). The 3-year OS was 59% in the S group and 27% in the NS group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.397; 95% CI, 0.278-0.549; P < .0001). In the S group, the median progression-free survival was 38.3 months (95% CI, 30.6-46.1) compared with 12.3 months in the NS group (HR, 0.511; 95% CI, 0.376-0.695; P < .0001). In addition, the number of adverse events in the NS group was higher than that in the S group (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Overall, patients with ESCC at the age of ≥70 years who underwent esophagectomy had significantly better clinical outcomes than those who underwent nonsurgical treatment with RT and/or CRT.

Longitudinal patient-reported outcomes after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis and high complication rate, resulting in a heavy symptom burden and poor health-related quality of life (QOL). We evaluated longitudinal patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to analyze the correlations between symptoms and QOL and their changing characteristics during postoperative rehabilitation.

METHODS

We investigated patients with ESCC who underwent minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy at Sichuan Cancer Hospital between April 2019 and December 2019. Longitudinal data of the clinical characteristics and PROs were collected. The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaires were used to assess symptoms and QOL and compare the trajectories of PROs during the investigation.

RESULTS

A total of 244 patients with ESCC were enrolled in this study. Regarding QOL, role and emotional functions returned to baseline at 1 month after surgery, and cognitive and social functions returned to baseline at 3 months after surgery. However, physical function and global QOL did not return to baseline at 1 year after surgery. At 7 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, the main symptoms of the patients were negatively correlated with physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functions and the overall health status (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with ESCC experience reduced health-related QOL and persisting symptoms after minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy, but a recovery trend was observed within 1 month. The long-term QOL after esophagectomy is acceptable.

Individualized treatment decision model for inoperable elderly esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on multi-modal data fusion

BACKGROUND

This research aimed to develop a model for individualized treatment decision-making in inoperable elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using machine learning methods and multi-modal data.

METHODS

A total of 189 inoperable elderly ESCC patients aged 65 or older who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or radiotherapy (RT) were included. Multi-task learning models were created using machine learning techniques to analyze multi-modal data, including pre-treatment CT images, clinical information, and blood test results. Nomograms were constructed to predict the objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) for different treatment strategies. Optimal treatment plans were recommended based on the nomograms. Patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups using the nomograms, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

The identified risk factors influencing ORR were histologic grade (HG), T stage and three radiomic features including original shape elongation, first-order skewness and original shape flatness, while risk factors influencing PFS included BMI, HG and three radiomic features including high gray-level run emphasis, first-order minimum and first-order skewness. These risk factors were incorporated into the nomograms as independent predictive factors. PFS was substantially different between the low-risk group (total score ≤ 110) and the high-risk group (total score > 110) according to Kaplan-Meier curves (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The developed predictive models for ORR and PFS in inoperable elderly ESCC patients provide valuable insights for predicting treatment efficacy and prognosis. The nomograms enable personalized treatment decision-making and can guide optimal treatment plans for inoperable elderly ESCC patients.

The feasibility of a "no tube, no fasting" fast-track recovery protocol after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer patients aged 75 and over

Objective

For elderly patients aged ≥75 with esophageal cancer, whether surgical treatment is safe and effective and whether it is feasible to use a relatively radical "no tube, no fasting" fast-track recovery protocol remain topics of debate. We conducted a retrospective analysis to shed light on these two questions.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the data of patients who underwent McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) combined with early oral feeding (EOF) on postoperative day 1 between April 2015 and December 2017 at Medical Group 1, Ward 1, Department of Thoracic Surgery of our hospital. Preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of anastomotic leakage (day), hospital stay, and survival were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-three elderly patients with esophageal cancer underwent surgery with EOF. No significant difference was observed in intraoperative measures. The incidence of postoperative complications was 34.8% (8/23). Two patients (8.7%) were terminated early during the analysis of the feasibility of EOF. For all 23 patients, the mean hospital stay was 11.4 (5-42) days, and the median survival was 51 months.

Conclusion

Patients aged ≥75 with resectable esophageal cancer can achieve long-term survival with active surgical treatment. Moreover, the "no tube, no fasting" fast-track recovery protocol is safe and feasible for elderly patients.

The Role of Age and Comorbidities in Esophagogastric Cancer Chemoradiation of the Frail Elderly (>70 Years): An Analysis from a Tertiary High Volume-Center

Elderly patients > 70 years of age with esophageal cancer (EC) represent a challenging group as frailty and comorbidities need to be considered. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of curative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with regard to basic geriatric screening in elderly patients in order to elucidate prognostic factors. Thirty-four elderly patients > 70 years with EC treated at our cancer center between May 2014 and October 2018 fulfilled the selection criteria for this retrospective analysis. Treatment consisted of intravenous infusion of carboplatin/paclitaxel or fluorouracil (5-FU)/cisplatin with the intention of neoadjuvant or definite chemoradiation. Clinicopathological data including performance status (ECOG), (age-adjusted) Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), Frailty-scale by Fried, Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form, body mass index, C-reactive protein to albumin ratio, and treatment-related toxicity (CTCAE) were assessed. Data were analyzed as predictors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). All patients (ten female, 24 male) received combined CRT (22 patients in neoadjuvant, 12 patients in definite intent). Median age was 75 years and the ECOG index between 0 and 1 (52.9% vs. 35.3%); four patients were rated as ECOG 3 (11.8%). Median follow-up was 24 months. Tumors were mainly located in the lower esophagus or esophagogastric-junction with an T3 stage (n = 25; 75.8%) and N1 stage (n = 28; 90.3%). 15 patients (44.1%) had SCC, 19 patients (55.9%) AC. 26 of the patients (76.5%) were scored as prefrail and 50% were in risk for malnutrition (n = 17). In relation to the BMI, ten patients (29.4%) were ranked as overweight, and 15 patients were presented in a healthy state of weight (44.1%). Grade 3 acute toxicity (or higher) occured in nine cases (26.5%). Most of the patients did not show any late toxicities (66.7%). Trimodal therapy provides a significant prolonged OS (p = 0.049) regardless of age, but without impact on PFS. Our analysis suggests that chemoradiation therapy is feasible for elderly patients (>70 years) with tolerable toxicity. Trimodal therapy of EC shows a positive effect on OS and PFS. Further studies are needed to elucidate benefitting subgroups within the elderly. In addition to age, treatment decisions should be based on performance status, nutritional condition and multidisciplinary validated geriatric screening tools.

Trimodality Therapy vs Definitive Chemoradiation in Older Adults With Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The comparative effectiveness of trimodality therapy vs definitive chemoradiation for treating locally advanced esophageal cancer in older adults is uncertain. Existing trials lack generalizability to older adults, a population with heightened frailty. We sought to emulate a hypothetical trial comparing these treatments using real-world data.

METHODS

A cohort of adults aged 66-79 years diagnosed with locally advanced esophageal cancer between 2004 and 2017 was identified in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare database. The clone-censor-weight method was leveraged to eliminate time-related biases when comparing outcomes between treatments. Outcomes included overall mortality, esophageal cancer-specific mortality, functional adverse events, and healthy days at home.

RESULTS

A total of 1240 individuals with adenocarcinomas and 661 with squamous cell carcinomas were identified. For adenocarcinomas, the standardized 5-year risk of mortality was 73.4% for trimodality therapy and 83.8% for definitive chemoradiation (relative risk [RR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82 to 0.95). Trimodality therapy was associated with mortality risk reduction for squamous cell carcinomas (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.70 to 1.01). The 1-year incidence of functional adverse events was higher in the trimodality group (adenocarcinomas RR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.22 to 1.65; squamous cell carcinomas RR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.49). Over 5 years, trimodality therapy was associated with 160 (95% CI = 67 to 229) and 177 (95% CI = 51 to 313) additional home days in individuals with adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with definitive chemoradiation, trimodality therapy was associated with reduced mortality but increased risk of function-related adverse events. Discussing these tradeoffs may help optimize care plans.

Esophageal cancer: Outcome and potential benefit of esophagectomy in elderly patients

Background

This analysis evaluated the morbimortality and the potential benefit of esophagectomy for cancer in elderly patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent esophagectomy for EC were divided into elderly (≥70 years) and nonelderly (<70 years) groups. The groups were compared regarding patient and tumor characteristics, postoperative morbimortality, and disease‐free, overall and cancer‐specific survival.

Results

Sixty‐one patients were classified into elderly, and 187 into nonelderly groups. The elderly were characterized by a higher rate of WHO score (p < 0.0001), higher cardiac (p < 0.004) and renal (p < 0.023) comorbidities.

The rate of neoadjuvant therapy and especially of neoadjuvant CRT was significantly lower in elderly patients (p < 0.018 and p < 0.007). Operative morbidity was also higher in this group (p < 0.024).

The 30‐ and 90‐day mortality was 8.2 and 11.5%, respectively in elderly patients and 0.5 and 3.2% in nonelderly patients (p < 0.004 and p < 0.012). This 90‐day mortality decreased when specific surgery‐related deaths were taken into consideration. OS and DFS were significantly better in the nonelderly group (p < 0.003 and p < 0.005) while no difference was observed for cancer‐specific survival (CSS).

Conclusion

No difference in CSS was observed. Although elderly patients with EC had higher postoperative morbimortality, the age should not be a criterion whether to perform, or not to perform, esophagectomy. This decision must be based on the balance between the patient's general condition and aggressive disease.

Non-stereotactic radiotherapy in older cancer patients

Old or very old oncological patients represent a heterogeneous and frail population due to concomitant comorbidities. Whether radiotherapy alone or in combination with novel cancer drugs may provide a clear benefit in this setting of patients is still a matter of debate.

The aim of our review is to analyze the evaluation process and the different therapeutic possibilities in older cancer patients, focusing on the different and most disparate applications of radiotherapy. We reviewed the most recent literature on radiotherapy in older patients providing clinical evidence of treatment related toxicity, tolerance and outcomes using standard fractionated and/or hypofractionated irradiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy, targeted and immunotherapy.

In older cancer patients unfit for systemic therapy or surgery, radiotherapy represents a valid therapeutic approach, both with curative and palliative intents, ensuring excellent patient compliance in terms of local toxicity and adherence to therapy.

Modifiers of and Disparities in Palliative and Supportive Care Timing and Utilization among Neurosurgical Patients with Malignant Central Nervous System Tumors

Patients with primary or secondary central nervous system (CNS) malignancies benefit from utilization of palliative care (PC) in addition to other supportive services, such as home health and social work. Guidelines propose early initiation of PC for patients with advanced cancers. We analyzed a cohort of privately insured patients with malignant brain or spinal tumors derived from the Optum Clinformatics Datamart Database to investigate health disparities in access to and utilization of supportive services. We introduce a novel construct, "provider patient racial diversity index" (provider pRDI), which is a measure of the proportion of non-white minority patients a provider encounters to approximate a provider's patient demographics and suggest a provider's cultural sensitivity and exposure to diversity. Our analysis demonstrates low rates of PC, home health, and social work services among racial minority patients. Notably, Hispanic patients had low likelihood of engaging with all three categories of supportive services. However, patients who saw providers categorized into high provider pRDI (categories II and III) were increasingly more likely to interface with supportive care services and at an earlier point in their disease courses. This study suggests that prospective studies that examine potential interventions at the provider level, including diversity training, are needed.

Management of elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer

This review focuses on the treatment about elderly esophageal cancer to clarify the current situation regarding our clinical question. Although there are several reviews about elderly esophageal cancer treatment, there are fundamental differences between Japan and the rest of the world. Two main differences are raised: histological differences and treatment strategies for resectable patients. We overview each status according to following clinical questions. First, there are no established evaluation criteria for frail. Second, selection criteria for surgery or non-surgery are not established. Third, few specific treatments for elderly patients (EPs) are investigated. In conclusion, there are many reports about treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma for EPs, although treatment strategy is still controversial. We have to consider well-designed prospective trial to confirm specific treatment strategy according to each stage.

Comparison of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy with Radiotherapy Alone for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer in Elderly Patients: A Randomized, Multicenter, Phase II Clinical Trial

This randomized, multicenter, phase II clinical trial was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy using S-1 (CCRT) with radiotherapy alone (RT) for elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). All eligible patients were randomly assigned to the CCRT group or the RT group at a 1:1 ratio. The CCRT group received 50.4 Gy radiotherapy concurrent with S-1 and the RT group received 59.4 Gy radiotherapy alone. The primary endpoints were toxicity and the overall response rate (ORR), and the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). In total, 157 elderly patients with ESCC were recruited from December 2016 to March 2020. By June 2021, the median follow-up duration had reached 38 months. No grade 5 toxicities occurred in either group and the overall rate of severe toxicities (≥grade 3) was higher in the CCRT group (19.2% to 7.6%; p=0.037), particularly neutropenia (7.7% vs. 1.3%; p=0.06). The CCRT group presented a significantly higher ORR (83.3% vs. 68.4%; p=0.009) and prolonged PFS (25.7 months vs.13.9 months; p=0.026) than the RT group. The median OS was 27.3 months in the CCRT group and 19.1 months in the RT group (p=0.59). For patients older than 70 years with locally advanced ESCC, concurrent chemoradiotherapy with S-1 had tolerable adverse effects and improved ORR and PFS compared with radiotherapy alone.

Combining the systemic inflammation response index and prognostic nutritional index to predict the prognosis of locally advanced elderly esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) have been shown to be correlated with the prognosis of various solid tumors. This study sought to investigate the prognostic value of the SIRI and the PNI individually and in combination in locally advanced elderly esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with radical radiotherapy.

METHODS

The data of 192 ESCC patients aged ≥65 years, who had been treated with definitive radiotherapy between 2013 and 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cutoff values of SIRI and PNI were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the effect of the SIRI and PNI on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The areas under the curve were measured to evaluate the predictive ability of the SIRI, PNI, and SIRI combined with PNI for OS.

RESULTS

The optimal cutoff values of the pretreatment SIRI and PNI were 1.03 and 49.60, respectively. The univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that T stage (P=0.021), TNM stage (P=0.022), synchronous chemotherapy (P=0.032), the SIRI (P=0.001), and the PNI (P=0.045) were independent prognostic factors for OS and N stage (P=0.004), synchronous chemotherapy (P=0.016) and the SIRI (P=0.004) were independent prognostic factors for PFS. The AUC of the combined SIRI and PNI (0.706; 0.612-0.801) was higher than those of the SIRI (0.648; 0.540-0.756) and the PNI (0.621; 0.523-0.720). Patients in the low-SIRI and high-PNI groups, especially those in clinical stage II or who received synchronous chemotherapy (P<0.001, P=0.002), had better OS and PFS than those in the other groups (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The SIRI and PNI are simple and reliable biomarkers for predicting long-term survival in elderly patients with locally advanced ESCC after radical radiotherapy. A high SIRI and a low PNI indicated poor prognosis, and the combination of the SIRI and PNI improved the accuracy of prognosis prediction and could be used to guide individualized treatment of patients.

Surgery provides improved overall survival in surgically fit octogenarians with esophageal cancer after chemoradiation therapy

Background

Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that multimodal therapy provides the best overall survival for patients who had locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, it is unknown if multimodal therapy offers the best overall survival in octogenarians.

Methods

We performed retrospective cohort study using data obtained from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for octogenarians who had locally advanced esophageal cancer from 2004 to 2015. We evaluated the 5-year overall survival for patients among different therapies. We compared the 5-year overall survival between patients receiving chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery and a propensity-matched group of patients who underwent chemoradiation only.

Results

There were 21,710 octogenarians (15%) with esophageal cancer in the NCDB database. Among octogenarians, there were 6,960 patients (32%) who had clinical stage II–III esophageal cancer. Among 6,922 patients whose treatment data were available, the most common therapy was chemoradiation (n=3,360, 49%). Two of the most common therapies that included surgical resection were surgery only (n=314, 5%) and chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery (n=172, 2%). Among different treatments, the best 5-year overall survival was achieved in patients receiving chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery (P<0.001). In the propensity score-matched cohort between chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery (n=83) to chemoradiation therapy only (n=83), there was an association with improved 5-year overall survival in the patients who had chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery (17.9%) compared to the patients who underwent chemoradiation only (5.7%, P=0.003).

Conclusions

Most octogenarians with locally advanced esophageal cancer underwent definitive chemoradiation therapy. Very few patients underwent chemoradiation followed by surgery; however, the multimodality treatment provided increased overall survival. Surgically fit octogenarians should be considered for chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery.

Impact of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the survival of elderly esophageal cancer patients undergoing surgery: a SEER database analysis

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common and lethal carcinoma; however, the effectiveness and feasibility of the chemo- and radio-therapy (CRT) for the elderly patients (≥ 70 years) with surgery have not been fully discussed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effect of CRT on the prognosis.

METHODS

A total of 1085 patients (534 CRT patients vs. 551 non-CRT patients) from 1998 to 2016 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using the competing risk regression and survival analysis, an overall estimation of the effectiveness of CRT was performed on a well-balanced cohort via performing propensity score matching. Then, the specific impact of CRT on high- (n = 557) and low-risk (n = 528) cohorts derived from the nomogram's risk quantification for every patient were further evaluated respectively. Additionally, the advantages of the nomogram model and the conventional tumor, node, metastasis (TNM, 6th revision) staging system were compared.

RESULTS

A better survival outcome was observed among patients receiving both surgery and CRT than those who underwent surgery alone (HR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.45-0.68, P < 0.001), especially for those with tumors characterized by poor differentiation, large tumor size, advanced T staging, lymphatic metastasis, and distant metastasis (HR: 0.48, 95% CI 0.39-0.59, P < 0.001), while no benefit was observed among the low-risk patients. Furthermore, the newly established nomogram model might be better than the TNM (6th revision) staging system but more data needed.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, were considered effective for selected elderly patients with EC according to the newly established nomogram model.

Outcomes of trimodality CROSS regimen in older adults with locally advanced esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal cancer followed by Surgery (CROSS regimen) is standard of care for locally-advanced esophageal cancer. We evaluated CROSS completion rates, toxicity, and postoperative outcomes between older and younger adults receiving trimodality therapy.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients with locally-advanced esophageal cancer who underwent CROSS regimen from May 2016 to January 2020 at a single academic center. Outcomes of those aged ≥70-years-old and <70 years-old were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 201 patients, 136 were <70 and 65 were ≥70 years. Older adults were more likely to be male (91% vs. 79%; p = 0.045), have higher ECOG scores (median 1 vs. 0; p = 0.003), Charlson-comorbidity index (median 6 vs. 4; p < 0.001), and undergo open procedures (20% vs. 8% p = 0.008). Most completed CROSS regimen (78% vs. 84% respectively) with similar rates of treatment discontinuation and dose reduction (all p > 0.05). Time to surgery following neoadjuvant therapy was similar between age groups, except in those ≥80-years-old as compared to <70-years-old (p < 0.05). Overall toxicity rates were similar (68% vs. 71% respectively; p = 0.676). Only rates of delirium (19% vs. 5%) and urinary retention (9% vs. 0%) were higher in older adults (both p < 0.05). Length of stay, discharge disposition, mortality, and overall survival were similar. Age was not an independent risk factor for complication, neoadjuvant toxicity or completion, surgery timing, nor worse overall or recurrence-free survival (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Trimodality CROSS regimen for esophageal cancer in older adults is feasible, with similar completion rates and postoperative outcomes as compared to their younger counterparts.

Efficacy of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy With S-1 vs Radiotherapy Alone for Older Patients With Esophageal Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Phase 3 Clinical Trial

Importance

Most older patients with esophageal cancer cannot complete the standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). An effective and tolerable chemoradiotherapy regimen for older patients is needed.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and toxic effects of CCRT with S-1 vs radiotherapy (RT) alone in older patients with esophageal cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A randomized, open-label, phase 3 clinical trial was conducted at 23 Chinese centers between June 1, 2016, and August 31, 2018. The study enrolled 298 patients aged 70 to 85 years. Eligible participants had histologically confirmed esophageal cancer, stage IB to IVB disease based on the 6th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (stage IVB: only metastasis to the supraclavicular/celiac lymph nodes) and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1. Data analysis was performed from August 1, 2020, to March 10, 2021.

Interventions

Patients were stratified according to age (<80 vs ≥80 years) and tumor length (<5 vs ≥5 cm) and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either CCRT with S-1 or RT alone.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the 2-year overall survival rate using intention-to-treat analysis.

Results

Of the 298 patients enrolled, 180 (60.4%) were men. The median age was 77 (interquartile range, 74-79) years in the CCRT group and 77 (interquartile range, 74-80) years in the RT alone group. A total of 151 patients (50.7%) had stage III or IV disease. The CCRT group had a significantly higher complete response rate than the RT group (41.6% vs 26.8%; P = .007). Surviving patients had a median follow-up of 33.9 months (interquartile range: 28.5-38.2 months), and the CCRT group had a significantly higher 2-year overall survival rate (53.2% vs 35.8%; hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.85; P = .002). There were no significant differences in the incidence of grade 3 or higher toxic effects between the CCRT and RT groups except that grade 3 or higher leukopenia occurred in more patients in the CCRT group (9.5% vs 2.7%; P = .01). Treatment-related deaths were observed in 3 patients (2.0%) in the CCRT group and 4 patients (2.7%) in the RT group.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this phase 3 randomized clinical trial, CCRT with S-1 was tolerable and provided significant benefits over RT alone in older patients with esophageal cancer.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02813967.

A Canadian single institution real-world experience using the CROSS trial regimen in the treatment of Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Junction Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Trimodality therapy using the CROSS trial protocol is an accepted standard of care for locally advanced esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers. For medically inoperable patients, chemoradiation (CRT) has been a therapeutic option. This single institution review aimed to assess the real-world application of the CROSS trial protocol.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 83 patients who underwent CRT with carboplatin and paclitaxel with trimodality or definitive intent between June 2012 and June 2018. 65 patients underwent neoadjuvant CRT (NCRT); 40 had surgery. 18 had definitive CRT (DCRT). Patients' demographics, clinical, pathological, treatment and surgical characteristics were assessed. The data was analyzed in exploratory analyses and Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

For the 83 patients, the following median values were seen: RT dose 50.4 Gy, chemotherapy doses 5, time from CRT to surgery 62 days. 23% NCRT and 72% DCRT patients were ≥ 75 yrs and 49%, and 33% of these respectively had no interruptions to CRT. Patients ≥75 yrs were more likely to have DCRT (p = 0.001). Patients who underwent surgery were younger (p = 0.04). For NCRT and surgery, NCRT only, and DCRT respectively, median overall survival was 35.5, 12.1 and 17.1 months (log rank p=0.008); progression free survival was 32.2, 10 and 9.6 months (log rank p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite broadening of the CROSS trial eligibility criteria in our real-world data, there appears to be a survival benefit with trimodality therapy. The use of carboplatin and paclitaxel in DCRT may be of value and requires further study. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Esophageal Cancer in Elderly Patients, Current Treatment Options and Outcomes; A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis

Simple Summary

Any given treatment may provide improve survival for elderly patients with oesophageal cancer compared to best supportive care. Although surgery may be related to a higher rate of complications in these patients, it also offers the best chance for survival, especially when combined with perioperative chemo-or chemoradiation. Definitive chemoradiation remains also a valid and widely used curative approach in this population. Quality of life after oesophageal cancer treatment does not seem to be particularly compromised in elderly patients, although the risk of loss of autonomy after the disease is higher. Based on the available data, excluding a priori elderly patients from curative treatment based on age alone cannot be supported. A thorough general health status and geriatric assessment is necessary to offer the optimal treatment, tailored to the individual patient.

Abstract

Esophageal cancer, despite its tendency to increase among younger patients, remains a disease of the elderly, with the peak incidence between 70–79 years. In spite of that, elderly patients are still excluded from major clinical trials and they are frequently offered suboptimal treatment even for curable stages of the disease. In this review, a clear survival benefit is demonstrated for elderly patients treated with neoadjuvant treatment, surgery, and even definitive chemoradiation compared to palliative or no treatment. Surgery in elderly patients is often associated with higher morbidity and mortality compared to younger patients and may put older frail patients at increased risk of autonomy loss. Definitive chemoradiation is the predominant modality offered to elderly patients, with very promising results especially for squamous cell cancer, although higher rates of acute toxicity might be encountered. Based on the all the above, and although the best available evidence comes from retrospective studies, it is not justified to refrain from curative treatment for elderly patients based on their age alone. Thorough assessment and an adapted treatment plan as well as inclusion of elderly patients in ongoing clinical trials will allow better understanding and management of esophageal cancer in this heterogeneous and often frail population.

Oesophageal cancer treatment patterns, timeliness of care and outcomes in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have investigated oesophageal cancer care in regional areas. This study aimed to describe treatment patterns for oesophageal cancer in a regional area, and to identify factors associated with radiotherapy utilisation, timeliness of care, and death.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study, medical records were reviewed to source data on all patients diagnosed with and/or treated for oesophageal cancer at two regional Victorian hospitals over July 2015-June 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to identify factors associated with time from diagnosis to death while binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with radiotherapy utilisation and treatment within 28 days of diagnosis - a time frame derived from the relevant optimal care pathway.

RESULTS

Of 95 patients, 72% had radiotherapy, 32% received any treatment within 28 days, and 78% died over a median time of nine months. Odds of not receiving radiotherapy were decreased (odds ratio [OR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.08-0.87) for histology other than adenocarcinoma. Odds of timely care were increased for any palliative radiotherapy (OR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.15-10.5) and decreased for older age (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.91.0.999). Hazard of death was elevated for stage IV disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.64-4.54) and reduced for radical intent (HR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.15-0.48).

CONCLUSION

Nearly three-quarters of regional oesophageal cancer patients had radiotherapy while approximately one-third received any treatment within the recommended 28 days. Any palliative radiotherapy and younger age were associated with timely treatment. Future studies could further investigate factors related to timely oesophageal cancer care.

Understanding health-seeking and adherence to treatment by patients with esophageal cancer at the Uganda cancer Institute: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

In the low- and middle-income countries, most patients with esophageal cancer present with advanced stage disease and experience poor survival. There is inadequate understanding of the factors that influence decisions to and actual health-seeking, and adherence to treatment regimens among esophageal cancer patients in Uganda, yet this knowledge is critical in informing interventions to promote prompt health-seeking, diagnosis at early stage and access to appropriate cancer therapy to improve survival. We explored health-seeking experiences and adherence to treatment among esophageal cancer patients attending the Uganda Cancer Institute.

METHODS

We conducted an interview based qualitative study at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Participants included patients with established histology diagnosis of esophageal cancer and healthcare professionals involved in the care of these patients. We used purposive sampling approach to select study participants. In-depth and key informant interviews were used in data collection. Data collection was conducted till point of data saturation was reached. Thematic content analysis approach was used in data analyses and interpretations. Themes and subthemes were identified deductively.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients and 17 healthcare professionals were included in the study. Delayed health-seeking and poor adherence to treatment were related to (i) emotional and psychosocial factors including stress of cancer diagnosis, stigma related to esophageal cancer symptoms, and fear of loss of jobs and livelihood, (ii) limited knowledge and recognition of esophageal cancer symptoms by both patients and primary healthcare professionals, and (iii) limited access to specialized cancer care, mainly because of long distance to the facility and associated high transport cost. Patients were generally enthused with patient - provider relationships at the UCI. While inadequate communication and some degree of incivility were reported, majority of patients thought the healthcare professionals were empathetic and supportive.

CONCLUSION

Health system and individual patient factors influence health-seeking for symptoms of esophageal cancer and adherence to treatment schedule for the disease. Interventions to improve access to and acceptability of esophageal cancer services, as well as increase public awareness of esophageal cancer risk factors and symptoms could lead to earlier diagnosis and potentially better survival from the disease in Uganda.

15-Year Experience with Multimodality Therapy Including Esophagectomy for Elderly Patients with Locoregional Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Optimal curative therapy for locally advanced esophageal and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer might not be offered to elderly patients due to patient and treating physician perception of the high risk of therapy. To understand the risk of multimodality curative therapy, including surgical resection in the elderly population, we studied our experience with curative therapy in this patient population and compared the risks and outcomes with those in a younger population.

STUDY DESIGN

Between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2019, four hundred and five consecutive patients with esophageal or EGJ cancer underwent primary treatment at our institution, including esophagectomy. Data collected included demographic information, tumor stage, preoperative Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, treatment variables, and short- and long-term outcomes. Patients who were 70 years or older were classified as the "older" group and patients younger than 70 years were "younger."

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-eight younger (mean age 59 years) and 94 older (mean age 74 years) patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgical resection for stage II and higher cancer. Preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologist and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were significantly worse in the older group. Postoperative atrial fibrillation and urinary retention developed more often in the older group. Despite this, the rate of postoperative Clavien-Dindo complication severity scores of 3 or higher, perioperative mortality rates, and lengths of stay were similar. Long-term age-adjusted survival rate was 44.8% at 5 years for the group 70 years or older and 39% for the group younger than 70 years (NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients 70 years and older with locally advanced esophageal or EGJ cancer should be evaluated for optimal curative therapy including neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgical resection. Although preoperative risk scoring and postoperative atrial arrythmias are higher in the older group, short- and long-term outcomes are not inferior in these patients.

The Role of Radiation Therapy in the Older Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Older patients represent a unique subgroup of the cancer patient population for which the role of radiation therapy (RT) requires special consideration. This review will discuss many of these considerations as well as various radiation treatment techniques in the context of a variety of disease sites.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several recent studies give insight into the management of older cancer patients considering their age, performance status, comorbid conditions, quality of life, genetics, cost, and individual goals. RT plays an evolving and pivotal role in providing optimal care for this population. Recent advances in RT technique allow for more precise treatment delivery and reduced toxicity. Studies evaluating the use of radiation therapy in breast, brain, lung, prostate, rectal, pancreatic, esophageal, and oligometastatic cancer are summarized and discussed in the context of treating the older patient population. Individual age, performance and functional status, comorbid conditions, and patients' objectives and goals should all be considered when presenting treatment options for older patients and age alone should not disqualify patients from curative intent treatments. When possible, hypofractionated courses should be utilized as outcomes are often equivalent and toxicities are reduced. In many cases, RT may be preferable to other treatment options due to decreased toxicity profile and acceptable disease control.

Impact of Age on Surgical Outcomes for Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Older patients are often considered high-risk surgical candidates for locally advanced esophageal cancer, and the benefit of surgery in this population is unclear. This national analysis examines the effect of age on esophagectomy outcomes and compares surgery versus chemoradiation in older patients.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients with clinical stage II to III esophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing surgery or definitive chemoradiation between 2004 and 2015. Restricted cubic splines were used to examine the relationship between age and survival after esophagectomy, and maximally selected rank statistics were used to identify an age at which survival worsened. We used Cox proportional hazard models including an interaction term between age and treatment to compare overall survival, as well as survival of patients receiving esophagectomy versus definitive chemoradiation.

RESULTS

Of 17,495 patients, 11,680 underwent esophagectomy and 5815 received chemoradiation. Survival after esophagectomy worsened with increasing age and decreased considerably after age 73 (hazard ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.06, per increasing year after 73 versus hazard ratio = 1.01, 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.01, per increasing year to 73; both P < .001). Chemoradiation was increasingly used over surgery as age increased. The interaction between age and treatment was significant, and a graph of this interaction demonstrated a survival benefit for surgery over chemoradiation at most ages, including octogenarians.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival worsens with age after esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, esophagectomy is associated with improved survival compared with definitive chemoradiation at most ages, including octogenarians. Esophagectomy may be considered over chemoradiation for patients who can tolerate surgery regardless of age.

Does chemoradiotherapy benefit elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer? A propensity-score matched analysis on multicenter data (3JECROG R-03A)

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy alone (RT-alone) in elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

The clinical data of patients with ESCC treated with RT-alone or CRT were collected and retrospectively reviewed. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates and the clinical characteristics correlated with survival were analyzed statistically. Propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used to compensate for differences in baseline characteristics between the CRT and RT-alone groups to confirm the survival difference.

Results

A total of 729 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Diabetes, primary tumor volume (pTV), primary tumor location (pTLo), clinical T stage,(cT) clinical N stage (cN), clinical M stage (cM) and short-term response to RT were independent factors influencing OS (P = 0.002–0.044). The 5-year OS rate was 26.6, 26.0 and 30.1% in the whole cohort, RT-alone and CRT groups, respectively. The survival difference between RT alone and CRT was not significant before or following PSM. Compared with the corresponding subgroups treated with RT alone, CRT significantly benefited patients with diabetes (P = 0.003), cT4 (P = 0.030) and cN0 (P = 0.049), whereas no benefit was identified between CRT and RT alone in the other subgroups, including cT1–3, cN1, cM, pTLo, pTV, age and gender.

Conclusions

CRT with the current chemotherapy regimens may not improve the survival of elderly ESCC patients compared to RT-alone, except in patients with cT4 stage, cN0 stage or diabetes. However, due to the limitation of the retrospective nature of the current study, further clinical trials are required for confirmation.

High expression of IGBP1 correlates with poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Immunoglobulin binding protein 1 (IGBP1) is an important signal transduction regulator that mediates various functions. However, its expression profile, role, and clinical significance in cancers are uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression profile and the prognostic significance of IGBP1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction assay, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay were performed to examine IGBP1 expression in ESCC tissues and matched adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Moreover, IHC was used to evaluate IGBP1 expression in archived 190 paraffin-embedded ESCC specimens. Statistical analyses were applied to evaluate the prognostic value and the correlations between IGBP1 expression and the clinical parameters.

RESULTS

We found that the messenger RNA and protein levels of IGBP1 were up-regulated in the ESCC tissues compared with their adjacent non-cancerous tissues. High expression of IGBP1 in ESCC patients was positively associated with T classification (P=0.013) and vital status (P=0.03). The ESCC patients with higher IGBP1expression had a shorter survival time than those with lower IGBP1 expression. Importantly, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the expression of IGBP1 was an independent prognostic factor for ESCC (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide the first evidence that increased IGBP1 expression correlates with poor prognosis of ESCC, and that IGBP1 may be a tumor promoter of ESCC, which provide a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC.

Cost-effectiveness of chemoradiation followed by esophagectomy versus chemoradiation alone in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Background

Standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer usually includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. In squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), recent studies have indicated that esophagectomy after chemoradiation does not significantly improve survival but may reduce recurrence at the cost of treatment‐related mortality. This study aims to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of chemoradiation with and without esophagectomy.

Methods

We developed a decision tree and Markov model to compare chemoradiation therapy alone (CRT) versus chemoradiation plus surgery (CRT+S) in a cohort of 57‐year‐old male patients with esophageal SCC, over 25 years. We used information on survival, cancer recurrence, and side effects from a Cochrane meta‐analysis of two randomized trials. Societal utility values and costs of cancer care (2017, USD) were from medical literature. To test robustness, we conducted deterministic (DSA) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA).

Results

In our base scenario, CRT resulted in less cost for more quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to CRT+S ($154 082 for 1.32 QALYs/patient versus $165 035 for 1.30 QALYs/patient, respectively). In DSA, changes resulted in scenarios where CRT+S is cost‐effective at thresholds between $100 000‐$150 000/QALY. In PSA, CRT+S was dominant 17.9% and cost‐effective at willingness‐to‐pay of $150 000/QALY 38.9% of the time, and CRT was dominant 30.6% and cost‐effective 61.1% of the time. This indicates that while CRT would be preferred most of the time, variation in parameters may change cost‐effectiveness outcomes.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that more data is needed regarding the clinical benefits of CRT+S for treatment of localized esophageal SCC, although CRT should be cautiously preferred.

Prognostic Value of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Patients Exceeding 70 Years Old with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

To investigate the prognostic value of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) or definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCRT). Fifty-two ESCC patients were included from July 2014 to December 2018. RT was delivered at a dose of 1.8-2.0 Gy per day to a total dose of 50-60 Gy. Tumor response was assessed using the RECIST 1.1 system. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated and compared with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis of predictive factors of response and survival was performed using a logistic regression and a Cox model, respectively. In multivariate analysis, GNRI score (HR 0.278, P = 0.036) was the only independent prognostic factor for tumor response. As for survival outcomes, GNRI score (OS: HR 0.505, P = 0.028; PFS: HR 0.583, P = 0.045) and treatment modality (OS: HR 0.356, P = 0.015; PFS: HR 0.392, P = 0.0014) were both independent prognostic factors for better OS and PFS. Additionally, there was no correlation between GNRI score and treatment modality (Spearman's ρ = 0.200; P = 0.154). In conclusion, routine use of the GNRI criteria may help in the risk stratification of elderly patients undergoing RT/dCRT. The dCRT treatment could provide survival benefits for elderly ESCC patients.

Definitive Radiotherapy for Older Patients Aged ≥75 Years With Localized Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

To evaluate the predictive factors in older patients with localized esophageal cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients aged ≥75 years who were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy between 2008 and 2017. The patients were classified into the oldest-old group (≥80 years) and the old group (75-79 years).

RESULTS

Fifty patients were identified, 28 in the oldest-old group and 22 in the old group. Forty-six patients (92%) completed the planned radiotherapy. The median follow-up time was 21 months. Two-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, and locoregional control rates were 53%, 42%, and 51%, respectively. Univariate analyses for OS showed that neither the radiotherapy field nor total radiotherapy dose was a significant factor. Clinical T stage, clinical N stage, and age were independent predictors of OS.

CONCLUSION

Age ≥80 years is an independent prognostic factor for OS. Elective nodal irradiation and total radiotherapy dose above 50.4 Gy did not improve survival. Our findings may help in the treatment decisions for localized esophageal cancer in older patients.

Frequency of surgical resection after starting neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for resectable esophageal cancer is accompanied by the risk of treatment-related toxicity. The aim of this population-based cohort study was to provide insight in patients who do not proceed to surgical resection after starting nCRT.

METHODS

Patients who started nCRT for primary esophageal cancer diagnosed in 2015 and 2016 were selected from the nationwide population-based cancer registry. Outcome measurements included omission from surgical resection, reasons for omission of surgical resection, mortality during nCRT (≤90 days after ending nCRT) and 1-year overall survival. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for omission of surgical resection.

RESULTS

A total of 1521 patients were included, of whom 215 (14.1%) did not undergo surgical resection after starting nCRT. Age (OR:1.04, 95%CI:1.01-1.06), BMI (OR:0.95, 95%CI:0.90-0.99), WHO performance status (WHO 1: OR:1.62, 95%CI:1.16-2.62 and WHO 2: OR:3.53, 95%CI:1.68-7.41) and clinical N status (cN2: OR:1.57, 95% CI:1.04-2.37 and cN3: OR:2.52, 95%CI:1.14-5.55) were significantly associated with omission from surgery. The most frequently reported reasons for omission from surgery were disease progression (44.3%) and physical functioning (22.8%). During nCRT or within the subsequent waiting period to surgery, 38 patients (2.5%) deceased. One year overall survival of the patients who underwent nCRT followed by surgical resection was 94.9%, and 73.5% in the patients who did not undergo surgical resection following nCRT.

CONCLUSIONS

One in 7 patients who started nCRT for esophageal cancer do not proceed to surgical resection and have a decreased one year overall survival compared to patients who do proceed to surgical resection. Mortality during nCRT is considerable.

Clinicopathological features and prognosis factors for survival in elderly patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: A STROBE-compliant article

To investigate the features and prognosis of the elderly patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET).The patients diagnosed with pNETs between 2004 and 2014 were identified from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. The ethical approval was waived because the present study was analysis of the data from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database.A total of 4608 patients with "one primary only" histologically pNETs were confirmed and 653 were older than 75 years. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were examined. The elderly patients (≥75 years) have disadvantage in CSS and OS compared with younger cohort. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the elderly patients have increased poorly differentiated composition, and decreased proportion of Black patients, receipt of surgery, married status, and number of removed lymph node. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated worse differentiation. Patients of T3-4 and M1 stage were associated with poor CSS, while patients of being female, tumor locating at pancreatic body/tail, receipt of surgery, and being married were associated with better CSS in the elderly patients. Meanwhile, patients with higher histological grade and M1 stage have poor OS, while patients with the characteristics of female, being married, tumor location at pancreatic body/tail and tumor surgery have better OS. Distant metastatic elderly patients underwent primary site surgery had better CSS and OS than the patients without surgery.The elderly patients have increased possibility of poorly differentiated tumor, and decreased proportion of Black patients, surgery of primary site, number of removed lymph node and married status. Worse differentiation and tumor metastasis were independent risk factors for both CSS and OS, while primary tumor located in body/tail of pancreas, female patients, surgery of tumor primary site, and being married were protective factors.

Can We Increase the Resection Rate by Minimally Invasive Approach? Experience from 100 Minimally Invasive Esophagectomies

Background

Whether we can increase the resection rate of esophageal cancer by minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is unknown. The aim was to report the number and results of MIE in high-risk patients considered unsuitable for open surgery and compare these results to other operated patients and to high-risk patients not undergoing surgery.

Methods

At Central Finland Central Hospital, between September 2012 and July 2018, the number of operated MIEs was 100. Of these, 10 patients were prospectively considered unfit for open approach. Nineteen additional high-risk patients with operable disease were ruled out of surgery. The short- and long-term outcomes of these 3 groups were compared.

Results

In patients eligible for any approach (n=90), MIE only (n=10), and no surgery (n=19), WHO performance status Grade 0 was observed in 66.7%, 20.0%, and 5.3%, respectively; stair climbing with ≥4 stairs was successfully completed in 77.8%, 50%, and 36.8%, respectively. Between any approach and MIE only groups, rate of major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3a) was 6.7% vs. 50.0% (p<0.001) without a difference in median hospital stay (9 vs. 10 days, p=0.542). Readmission rates were 4.4% vs. 30.0% (p=0.003). Survival rates were 100% vs. 80% (p<0.001) at 90-days, 91.5% vs. 66.7% (p=0.005) at 1-year, and 68.9% vs. 53.3% (p=0.024) at 3-years, respectively. In comparison between MIE only and no surgery groups, these survival rates from day of diagnosis were 80% vs. 100%, 68.6% vs. 67.1%, and 45.7% vs. 32.0% (p=0.290), respectively.

Conclusions

By operating patients unsuitable for open approach with MIE, the resection rate increased 11.1%. These high-risk patients had, however, higher early morbidity and reduced long-term survival compared to other operated patients. Though there seems to be long-term benefit of surgery compared to nonsurgical patients, we have to be cautious when offering surgery to those considered unfit for open surgery.

Feasibility and efficiency of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with a single agent or double agents vs radiotherapy alone for elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Experience of two centers

The incidence of elderly patients with esophageal cancer (OC) is increasing as the population ages. Until now, the treatment strategy in these patients has been unclear. The aim of our study was to assess the efficiency and tolerance of treatment with radiotherapy alone (RT alone), single‐agent‐based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT‐1), or double‐agent‐based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT‐2) in elderly patients (≥65 years) with OC. A total of 271 patients with OC aged 65 years or older were included in this study. The median overall survival (OS), median progression‐free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and treatment‐related toxicities were assessed. The median OS time for all patients was 23.6 ± 2.3 months, with 2‐year survival rates of 48.0 ± 3.0%. The median PFS time was 13.6 ± 1.3 months with the 2‐year PFS rate was 33.0 ± 4.0%. Among patients who received CCRT‐1, better OS, and PFS were found in patients who received docetaxel than in patients received fluorouracil and platinum. In a subgroup analysis, 118 patients who underwent RT alone had a median OS time of 15.6 ± 1.9 months and median PFS time of 10.4 ± 0.9 months. The median OS time of patients who received CCRT‐1 was 28.8 ± 10.1 months compared with 27.8 ± 2.5 months for the patients treated with CCRT‐2 (P = 0.537). The similar results were observed for median PFS, with 16.5 ± 3.2 months in the CCRT‐1 group and 17.0 ± 2.0 months in the CCRT‐2 group (P = 0.321). Grade ≥3 leukocytopenia and grade ≥2 weight loss during treatment occurred in 40.6% and 17.9% of patients, respectively, in the CCRT‐2 group, which was higher than that observed in the CCRT‐1 group. Our results suggested that CCRT could be considered as an acceptable treatment for elderly patients with OC. The CCRT‐1 group presented with a lower incidence of treatment toxicities but comparable survival outcomes, compared to the CCRT‐2 group. Docetaxel was superior to fluorouracil and platinum in terms of OS.

Concurrent chemoradiation therapy tailored to the older adults with esophageal cancer: state of the art and the future

Purpose

The aim of this study was to review the published literature addressing the question of whether geriatric assessment (GA) should be routinely applied in the treatment of older adults with esophageal cancer (EC) who have received definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCRT).

Materials and methods

A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed. Studies that contained original data outlining the inclusion and exclusion criteria, treatment compliance rate, and severe toxicity reports were reviewed. Additionally, criteria from ongoing clinical trials in the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health registries were reviewed to evaluate the utilization of GA-related domains in elderly EC patients who received dCRT.

Results

Twenty-nine studies were identified based on the selection criteria: five were single-arm prospective studies, and the other studies were retrospective studies. All studies used chronological age and performance status as basic descriptors for this subpopulation. The comorbidity index and the malnutrition level were mentioned in several studies. However, factors such as “Demographic data and social support,” “Psychology,” “Polypharmacy,” and “Geriatric syndromes” were not described in any of the included studies. Unfortunately, the results were similar for the registered clinical trials. Finally, treatment compliance and toxicity profile were found to be acceptable in selected elderly EC patients.

Conclusion

The current experience for older adults with EC receiving dCRT is mainly based on the results of a series of retrospective studies. Ongoing clinical trials should routinely consider GA-related domains to select appropriate treatments for patients in the future.

Consequences of Refusing Surgery for Esophageal Cancer: A National Cancer Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Given the potential morbidity of esophagectomy, patients may pursue other treatments. We sought to determine predictors and outcomes of esophageal cancer patients who refused esophagectomy.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (2004 to 2014) was queried for locally advanced esophageal cancer patients. A unique field allows identification of patients recommended to have surgery but who refused. Comparisons between the entire cohort and between propensity matched groups were performed using analysis of variance and χ² tests. Survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of refusing surgery.

RESULTS

We identified 18,459 patients with esophageal cancer meeting criteria, including 708 (3.8) who were recommended but refused surgery. By multivariate analysis, elderly, female, nonwhite race, squamous histology, early year of diagnosis, absence of insurance, treatment at nonacademic centers, lower income, and clinical stage I/II predicted refusal of surgery. Median survival was worse for patients who refused surgery compared with patients undergoing surgery. Among propensity matched groups (n = 525 each), median survival was better for patients undergoing surgery versus patients who refused (32 versus 21 months, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients may be reluctant to undergo esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, refusal of surgery when offered comes at the expense of decreased survival. These data allow for a discussion of alternative outcomes with those patients in the context of shared decision making.

Recent advancements in esophageal cancer treatment in Japan

The 11th edition of the Japanese Classification of Esophageal Cancer (EC) was published in 2017. Some correction was made in the depth of tumor invasion to be consistent with the TNM classification by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). With regard to surgery, short-term safety and long-term effectiveness under thoracotomy/video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery are expected to be proven by the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG)1409 study. Results of nutritional management and countermeasures for adverse events not only during the perioperative period but also during EC chemotherapy were reported. From now on, the pursuit of low invasiveness and radicality is desired. Esophageal surgery is also expected to be safe at all institutions. To determine the optimal modality of preoperative treatment and a novel chemo(radio)therapy regimen for patients with distant metastasis, the results of the ongoing JCOG1109 and 0807 studies are being released. The effect of the addition of molecular targeted drugs on chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiation has not yet improved overall survival. Immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs could offer a potential new treatment approach for patients with treatment-refractory advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network reported the results of a comprehensive genome analysis and molecular analysis of SCC and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Further differentiation of SCC and adenocarcinoma by molecular characterization analysis may be useful for the development of clinical trials and targeted drug therapies as precision medicine. The era of ultimate minimally invasive surgery and personalized treatment has begun. Large, prospective studies will be required to confirm the value of these advancements.

Clinical outcome of elderly patients (≥ 70 years) with esophageal cancer undergoing definitive or neoadjuvant radio(chemo)therapy: a retrospective single center analysis

BACKGROUND

To analyse the outcome of elderly patients (≥70 years) with esophageal cancer treated with curative intent radio(chemo)therapy.

METHODS

Fifty five patients (median 75 years) receiving curative intent radio(chemo)therapy for esophageal cancer from 1999 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Most patients showed locally advanced disease (T3/4:78%, N+:58%) with squamous cell histology (74%). Charlson comorbidity score was > 1 in 27%. 48 patients (87%) received definitive treatment while 7 patients were treated neoadjuvantly. RT was carried out as 3D-conformal treatment or IMRT. Concurrent chemotherapy was applied in 85%, mainly cisplatin/5-FU or mitomycin/5-FU. ¹⁸FDG-PET/CT staging was used in 65%.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 11 months (1-68) and 21 months in survivors. 1- and 2-year rates of LRC, DC, FFTF and OS were 60%/45, 81%/72, 55%/41 and 46%/26% for the entire cohort. In univariate analysis, addition of surgery was associated with improved LRC and FFTF, nodal involvement with improved DC and lower T stage, lower Charlson score and use of PET-CT with improved OS. In multivariate analysis, lower T stage and lower Charlson score remained significant for OS. Patients treated after 2008 showed a significantly improved FFTF (1-year FFTF 64% vs 35%) and OS (1-year OS 66% vs 24%). Maximum (chemo)radiation related grade3+ toxicity was observed in 80% including 7 deaths (13%). Grade5 toxicity was significantly associated with Charlson score (CS > 1:33% vs CS ≤ 1:5%) and treatment period (24% before vs 3% after 2008). The patients treated after 2008 included significantly more SCCs, less T4 stages, had a higher percentage of PET-CT staging and were treated with smaller field lengths. Trends were also observed for lower Charlson scores and increased use of IMRT.

CONCLUSION

Curative intent (chemo)radiation of elderly patients with esophageal cancer may result in considerable toxicity and unfavorable outcome. However, a clear improvement over time was observed in our cohort, probably based on improved patient selection. In patients with less advanced stages and lower comorbidity similar results as in younger cohorts seem achievable with modern staging and treatment approaches. Age per se should not be a decisive factor, but careful attention should be paid regarding patient selection including a structured and tight follow-up strategy.

Treatment utilization and outcomes in elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma: a review of the National Cancer Database

For elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, therapeutic approaches and outcomes in a modern cohort are not well characterized. Patients ≥70 years old with clinical stage II and III esophageal cancer diagnosed between 1998 and 2012 were identified from the National Cancer Database and stratified based on treatment type. Variables associated with treatment utilization were evaluated using logistic regression and survival evaluated using Cox proportional hazards analysis. Propensity matching (1:1) was performed to help account for selection bias. A total of 21,593 patients were identified. Median and maximum ages were 77 and 90, respectively. Treatment included palliative therapy (24.3%), chemoradiation (37.1%), trimodality therapy (10.0%), esophagectomy alone (5.6%), or no therapy (12.9%). Age ≥80 (OR 0.73), female gender (OR 0.81), Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score ≥2 (OR 0.82), and high-volume centers (OR 0.83) were associated with a decreased likelihood of palliative therapy versus no treatment. Age ≥80 (OR 0.79) and Clinical Stage III (OR 0.33) were associated with a decreased likelihood, while adenocarcinoma histology (OR 1.33) and nonacademic cancer centers (OR 3.9), an increased likelihood of esophagectomy alone compared to definitive chemoradiation. Age ≥80 (OR 0.15), female gender (OR 0.80), and non-Caucasian race (OR 0.63) were associated with a decreased likelihood, while adenocarcinoma histology (OR 2.10) and high-volume centers (OR 2.34), an increased likelihood of trimodality therapy compared to definitive chemoradiation. Each treatment type demonstrated improved survival compared to no therapy: palliative treatment (HR 0.49) to trimodality therapy (HR 0.25) with significance between all groups. Any therapy, including palliative care, was associated with improved survival; however, subsets of elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer are less likely to receive aggressive therapy. Care should be taken to not unnecessarily deprive these individuals of treatment that may improve survival.