Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus surgery versus active surveillance for oesophageal cancer: a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial

Dual energy CT-derived quantitative parameters and hematological characteristics predict pathological complete response in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients

PURPOSE

There is no gold standard method to predict pathological complete response (pCR) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients before surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). This study aims to investigate whether dual layer detector dual energy CT (DECT) quantitative parameters and clinical features could predict pCR for ESCC patients after nCRT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study retrospective recruited local advanced ESCC patients who underwent nCRT followed by surgical treatment from December 2019 to May 2023. According to pCR status (no visible cancer cells in primary cancer lesion and lymph nodes), patients were categorized into pCR group (N = 25) and non-pCR group (N = 28). DECT quantitative parameters were derived from conventional CT images, different monoenergetic (MonoE) images, virtual non-contrast (VNC) images, Z-effective (Zeff) images, iodine concentration (IC) images and electron density (ED) images. Slope of spectral curve (λHU), normalized iodine concentration (NIC), arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) and extracellular volume (ECV) were calculated. Difference tests and spearman correlation were used to select quantitative parameters for DECT model building. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to build clinical model, DECT model and combined model.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients with locally advanced ESCC were enrolled in this study who received nCRT combined with surgery and underwent DECT examination before treatment. After spearman correlation analysis and multivariate logistic analysis, AEF and ECV showed significant roles between pCR and non-pCR groups. These two quantitative parameters were selected for DECT model. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that LMR and RBC were also independent predictors in clinical model. The combined model showed the highest sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV compared to the clinical and DECT model. The AUC of the combined model is 0.893 (95%CI: 0.802-0.983). Delong's test revealed the combined model significantly different from clinical model (Z =-2.741, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Dual-layer DECT derived ECV fraction and AEF are valuable predictors for pCR in ESCC patients after nCRT. The model combined DECT quantitative parameters and clinical features might be used as a non-invasive tool for individualized treatment decision of those ESCC patients. This study validates the role of DECT in pCR assessment for ESCC and a large external cohort is warranted to ensure the robustness of the proposed DECT evaluation criteria.

Nonoperative Management of Technically Resectable Pancreatic Cancer With Ablative Radiation Therapy

Importance

Surgical resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) modestly improves long-term survival due to the competing risk of metastatic disease. However, postoperative morbidity often interferes with administration of systemic therapy and may be unacceptable to some patients. Ablative radiation therapy (A-RT) has emerged as an effective noninvasive local treatment in many tumor types and may provide an alternative to surgery in select patients with resectable PDAC.

Objective

To estimate the efficacy of A-RT in technically resectable PDAC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study of consecutive patients with histologically confirmed, radiographically resectable T1-2N0-1M0 PDAC treated with A-RT at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between June 2016 and December 2022 were included from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were not eligible for surgery because of noncancer-related comorbidities. Data were frozen for analysis in December 2023, which took place between March and November 2024.

Exposures

All patients received A-RT exceeding 97.5-Gy biologically effective dose with daily computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging guidance, motion management, and daily or selective adaptation of the dose distribution.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included biochemical and radiographic objective response rate, cumulative incidence of local progression, progression-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival.

Results

Of 25 patients with radiographically resectable PDAC who received A-RT, 13 (52%) were male, and the median (IQR) age at time of A-RT was 80 (74-87) years. A total of 20 patients (80%) had a Karnofsky Performance Status score of 80 or lower. A total of 15 tumors (60%) were T2, and 4 (16%) were node positive. A total of 17 patients (68%) received induction chemotherapy for a median (range) of 2.9 (1.0-6.1) months. Radiation therapy regimens delivered with conventional linear accelerators included 75 Gy in 25 fractions among 13 patients, 67.5 Gy in 15 fractions among 9 patients, 50 Gy in 5 fractions among 2 patients (magnetic resonance imaging-guided linear accelerator), and 60 Gy in 10 for 1 patient. OS, local progression, and distant metastasis-free survival at 2 years were 43.7% (95% CI, 27.4%-69.5%), 20.8% (95% CI, 7.3%-39.0%), and 20.0% (95% CI, 9.1%-43.8%), respectively. Grade 3 acute and late gastrointestinal tract toxic effects were noted in 3 and 1 patients, respectively, with no grade 4 or higher events.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, A-RT in patients with technically resectable PDAC led to effective local tumor control and favorable OS despite advanced age, poor Karnofsky Performance Status score, and conservative use of chemotherapy in the cohort studied. These data support a prospective study of A-RT for the management of resectable PDAC.

Updates in the Role of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Radiation Oncology in Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) plays a critical role in managing gastrointestinal (GI) cancers within radiation oncology. It enhances tumor detection, staging, and lymph node involvement assessment, leading to better-targeted radiation treatment. PET/CT also aids in delineating tumor volumes to minimize geographic misses, enabling precise dose escalation to metabolically active regions. Despite its benefits, PET/CT has limitations such as false positives and dependency on complementary imaging. Emerging technologies offer real-time adjustments and personalized treatments, advancing precision medicine in GI radiation oncology. Further research is needed to refine PET/CT integration for improved treatment outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by active surveillance versus standard surgery for oesophageal cancer (SANO trial): a multicentre, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

A substantial proportion of individuals with oesophageal cancer have a pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and oesophagectomy. We aimed to investigate whether active surveillance could be an alternative for individuals with a clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

We performed a multicentre, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial in 12 Dutch hospitals. Individuals with locally advanced oesophageal cancer and a clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (ie, no tumour detected with endoscopic biopsies, ultrasound, and PET-CT) underwent active surveillance or standard surgery (ie, oesophagectomy within 2 weeks after reaching clinical complete response). There were no inclusion restrictions regarding comorbidities or performance status, but participants had carcinoma, were age 18 years or older, and were treated with curative intent. Randomisation of hospitals was performed using computer-generated sequences without stratification methods, after an initial phase of all hospitals performing standard surgery. The primary endpoint was overall survival, analysed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle (allowing crossover at time of clinical complete response) and an intention-to-treat principle. Non-inferiority was defined as 2-year survival rate for active surveillance of 15% or less below that for standard surgery. The trial was registered within the Netherlands Trial Register, NTR-6803, and the inclusion phase has been completed.

FINDINGS

Between Nov 8, 2017, and Jan 17, 2021, 1115 individuals were screened, of whom 309 were included. 198 underwent active surveillance and 111 underwent standard surgery. 242 (78%) participants were male and 67 (22%) were female. Median follow-up was 38 months (IQR 32-48). 2-year overall survival for active surveillance (74% [95% CI 69-78]) was non-inferior to standard surgery (71% [62-78]) after modified intention-to-treat analysis (one-sided 95% boundary: 7% lower). It remained non-inferior in the intention-to-treat analysis (75% [68-80] vs 70% [63-77], one-sided 95% boundary: 6% lower). There were no significant differences in overall survival according to modified intention-to-treat analysis (hazard ratio 1·14, two-sided 95% CI 0·74-1·78) or intention-to-treat analysis (0·83, 0·53-1·31). The frequency of postoperative complications and postoperative mortality after standard surgery or postponed surgery after active surveillance was similar between groups.

INTERPRETATION

Overall survival after active surveillance for oesophageal cancer was non-inferior compared with standard surgery after 2 years. For the long-term efficacy of active surveillance, extended follow-up is required. The results of the present trial could be used for patient counselling and shared decision making.

FUNDING

Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) and Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw).

Outcomes of Salvage Surgery for Esophageal Carcinoma: A Nationwide Cohort Study from the Dutch Upper GI Cancer Audit

BACKGROUND

Salvage esophagectomy is more complex and associated with higher postoperative morbidity and mortality than standard resection. This study aimed to investigate short-term outcomes and the influence of hospital volume on these outcomes of salvage surgery for esophageal cancer.

METHODS

The study enrolled all patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer registered in the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA) between 2012 and 2022. The patients were classified as salvage or non-salvage by registering surgeons. Salvage surgery is defined in the DUCA as surgery after definitive chemoradiotherapy. Postoperative mortality (30-day/in-hospital) and morbidity were compared between the salvage and non-salvage patients using multilevel logistic regression analyses. Hospital variation in the use of salvage esophagectomy was investigated using funnel plots. The influence of hospital volume (≤ 40 to > 40 cases) and salvage volume (< 6 to ≥ 6 cases) on outcomes for salvage patients were investigated. Using backward elimination, relevant baseline characteristics influencing salvage outcomes were identified.

RESULTS

Between 2012 and 2022, 7749 patients underwent esophagectomy, 251 (3%) of whom underwent salvage resection, varying from 0 to 8% between centers. Severe complications (43% vs 28%; odds ratio [OR], 1.81; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.40-2.34) and 30-day/in-hospital mortality (11% vs 3%; OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 2.38-5.61) were higher after salvage surgery than after non-salvage surgery. Salvage patients treated in high-volume centers had a lower risk of 30-day/in-hospital mortality than those treated in low-volume centers (9% vs 19%; OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.18-0.99), with no relation between salvage volume and outcome. Male sex, older age (> 75 years), and squamous cell carcinoma were associated with worse short-term outcomes of salvage surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Salvage surgery is associated with worse short-term outcomes than non-salvage esophagectomy. Outcomes after salvage surgery were favorable in high-volume esophagectomy centers.

Diagnosing Complete Response to Preoperative Chemoradiation in Esophageal Cancer Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Response Criteria

OBJECTIVE

To assess the performance of novel qualitative diagnostic criteria using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the pathologic complete response (pCR) of primary tumors in esophageal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent nCRT, subsequent MRI, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), endoscopy, or esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between October 2021 and October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The DCE-MRI response of primary tumors was interpreted using five grades by thoracic radiologists as follows: G1 (compatible with CR), G2 (probable CR), G3 (probable partial response [PR]), G4 (compatible with PR), and G5 (stable or progressive disease). The performances of MRI, PET/CT, endoscopy, and their combinations in diagnosing pCR in primary tumors were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients (male:female, 46:6; age, 61.2 ± 8.0 years) were included. Surgical specimens revealed pCR (ypT0) in 34 patients. G1 as the MRI criterion for pCR of primary tumors yielded a positive predictive value (PPV), specificity of 100% (18/18), and low sensitivity (23.5% [8/34]). Combining G1 and G2 as the MRI criteria increased the sensitivity to 73.5% (25/34), with a specificity of 88.9% (16/18), accuracy of 78.8% (41/52), and PPV of 92.6% (25/27). Adding the DCE-MRI results (G1-2) significantly improved accuracy for both PET/CT (from 65.4% [34/52] to 80.8% [42/52], P = 0.03) and endoscopy (from 55.8% [29/52] to 76.9% [40/52], P = 0.005), with increase in sensitivity (from 55.9% [19/34] to 82.4% [28/34] for PET/CT-based evaluation [P = 0.008] and from 47.1% [16/34] to 82.4% [28/34] for endoscopy-based evaluation [P = 0.001]).

CONCLUSION

DCE-MRI-based grading shows high diagnostic performance for identifying pCR in primary tumors, particularly in terms of PPV and specificity, and enhances response evaluation when combined with PET/CT and endoscopy.

Current status and perspectives of esophageal cancer: a comprehensive review

Esophageal cancer (EC) continues to be a significant global health concern, with two main subtypes: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Prevention and changes in etiology, improvements in early detection, and refinements in the treatment have led to remarkable progress in the outcomes of EC patients in the past two decades. This seminar provides an in-depth analysis of advances in the epidemiology, disease biology, screening, diagnosis, and treatment landscape of esophageal cancer, focusing on the ongoing debate surrounding multimodality therapy. Despite significant advancements, EC remains a deadly disease, underscoring the need for continued research into early detection methods, understanding the molecular mechanisms, and developing effective treatments.

Neoadjuvant treatment of esophageal cancer: chemotherapy, chemoradiation, immunotherapy, and future trends of therapy

In the Western hemisphere, nonmetastatic locally advanced esophageal carcinoma is mostly treated in multimodal therapy protocols according to current therapy guidelines. In squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, neoadjuvant chemoradiation is the favorable option. Unimodal surgical and chemoradiation treatment alternatives show inferior results on this entity. For locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus perioperative chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoradiation have been competing treatment approaches in the recent past. Both are evidence based (class I evidence) and superior compared to unimodal surgery. However, the latest results of head-to-head comparative therapy studies show superior overall survival results for the FLOT regimen of perioperative chemotherapy. Furthermore, immunotherapy and targeted therapy with monoclonal antibodies have become a strong focus of current clinical research. Nivolumab as well as trastuzumab are already an important part of the current standard therapies. In both entities - SCC and AC - a significant quota of patients shows a locoregional complete remission of the tumor in the specimen after modern neoadjuvant therapy and surgical resection. The addition of immunotherapy and targeted therapy to neoadjuvant therapy further increases complete remission rates in defined subgroups according to the results of current studies. Currently, three prospective randomized trials are ongoing on the subject of future possibilities for organ-preserving concepts in case of complete clinical remission ("surgery as needed," "watch and wait"). It is to be expected for the future that curative short-term and long-term treatment results in locally advanced esophageal carcinoma will significantly improve, particularly due to the additional possibilities of immunotherapy and organ-preserving therapy concepts in postneoadjuvant complete remission.

Sleeve lobectomy versus lobectomy after neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer invading the lobar bronchial orifice: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Background

For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invading lobar bronchial orifice, sleeve lobectomy is the preferred surgical option. Neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy may allow R0 resection with lobectomy. This study aims to compare the long-term outcome of sleeve lobectomy and lobectomy after neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively screened patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy followed by lobectomy or sleeve lobectomy for NSCLC invading lobar bronchial orifice from March 2019 and April 2022. Event-free survival (EFS) was compared between sleeve lobectomy and lobectomy groups in the original cohort and the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjusted cohort. Cox regression was conducted for the potential association between surgical type and EFS.

Results

We initially enrolled 248 patients. According to the inclusion criteria, the final analysis included 68 (27.4%) patients: 38 undergoing lobectomy and 30 undergoing sleeve lobectomy. The 2-year EFS was 83.3% versus 60.5% in sleeve and lobotomy groups, respectively [hazard ratio (HR) =0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.210-1.005; P=0.057]. In Cox regression analysis, improved EFS was associated with pathological complete response (pCR) (HR =0.31, 95% CI: 0.11-0.90; P=0.03) but not surgical types (HR =0.54, 95% CI: 0.22-1.5; P=0.20). In the subgroup analysis including pCR patients (n=31), median EFS was not reached (NR) in either group (P=0.8) before and after IPTW. In the non-pCR subgroup (n=37), median EFS was 21 months (95% CI: 13-NR) in lobectomy group versus not achieved (95% CI: 25-NR) in sleeve lobectomy group (P=0.04) after IPTW.

Conclusions

Lobectomy could be feasible for pCR patients and there is survival advantage with sleeve lobectomy in patients failing to achieve pCR after neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy.

Real-world outcomes of the CROSS regimen in patients with resectable esophageal or gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma: a nationwide cohort study in the Netherlands

Background

Recent studies in patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ)-Neo-AEGIS and ESOPEC-have explored the comparison of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) with chemotherapy, with conflicting results. To contextualize the findings from these studies using nCRT as a comparator, we aimed to investigate contemporary real-world outcomes of nCRT in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or GEJ.

Methods

From the Netherlands Cancer Registry, patients were selected who were diagnosed between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2022 with a resectable (cT1N+M0 or cT2-4aNanyM0) esophageal, GEJ or gastric cardia adenocarcinoma and started treatment with nCRT according to the CROSS regimen, that is 5 weekly cycles of carboplatin (AUC 2 mg/mL per minute) and paclitaxel (50 mg/m2) combined with concurrent radiotherapy (41.4 Gy in 23 fractions of 1.8 Gy). Pathologic complete response (pCR) according to Mandard was the primary outcome of this study and defined as complete tumor regression of the primary tumor (Mandard grade I) irrespective of residual nodal involvement.

Findings

Of the 4765 included patients, 4170 (87.5%) completed the full CROSS regimen of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A pCR was observed in 704 (20.5%) of 3439 patients who underwent surgical resection within 16 weeks after completing the CROSS regimen. In the complete study population, the median overall survival (OS) was 33.7 months (95% CI 32.0-35.6), with a 3-year OS rate of 48.1%.

Interpretation

Although survival rates in real-world settings are often lower compared to clinical trials, in our real-world cohort the 3-year OS was only 2.6% lower compared to that reported for the group that underwent nCRT in ESOPEC. These real-world results underscore the potential of the CROSS regimen in daily clinical practice.

Funding

None.

Detecting residual disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: The prospective multicentre preSINO trial

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) may lead to clinical complete response (cCR). It is important to know the accuracy of clinical response evaluations (CREs) before advocating active surveillance instead of oesophagectomy.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicentre study of patients with locally advanced OSCC. They received the first CRE (bite-on-bite biopsies) 4-6 weeks after nCRT. Patients with residual tumour underwent surgery. Patients with a cCR at CRE-1 underwent a second CRE 10-12 weeks after nCRT using PET-CT, bite-on-bite biopsies and endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). All patients without distant metastases underwent surgery. Primary endpoint was the accuracy of CREs for detecting Tumour Regression Grade (TRG)3-4 or TRG1-2 with ypN+ residual tumour with a prespecified false-negative rate (FNR) of 19.5%. Circulating-tumour DNA (ctDNA) at CREs was performed for exploratory analysis.

RESULTS

In total 309 patients were included. Eighteen of 133 patients with TRG3-4 or TRG1-2 with ypN+ residual tumours were not detected by bite-on-bite biopsies and EUS-FNA (FNR: 13.5%). Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of detecting any residual tumour were 81.7%, 93.2%, 68.7% and 96.5% respectively. PET-CT detected interval distant metastases in 13 (4.9%) of 268 patients presurgically. After a minimum 12-month follow-up, systemic recurrence rates were 28.0% in patients with positive ctDNA at CREs and 5.3% in those with negative ctDNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Bite-on-bite biopsies and EUS-FNA were accurate in detecting residual disease after nCRT in OSCC. Positive ctDNA at CREs may indicate an increased risk of systemic metastases.

A three dimensional printed endobronchial stent for the treatment of a broncho-esophageal fistula

Broncho-esophageal fistulas (BEFs) are a rare but serious complication that can occur after esophagectomy, often resulting in aspiration, respiratory issues, and infection. Management depends on fistula size and location, with options including conservative treatments, surgical closure and stenting. Conventional treatment involves esophageal stents, which may be insufficient for larger or more complex fistulas. This case report describes the first use of a 3D-printed airway stent in combination with an esophageal stent to treat a broncho-esophageal fistula. A 70-year-old patient with distal esophageal adenocarcinoma, treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation, underwent robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy. The procedure was complicated by a broncho-esophageal fistula, leading to multiple interventions. Despite dual stenting with a custom 3D airway stent, the fistula persisted, and the patient was transitioned to supportive care due to disease progression. This case, the first to use a 3D-printed airway stent for a broncho-esophageal fistula, demonstrates that the stent did not achieve closure, likely due to excessive pressure against the endobronchial wall. This underscores the need for improved 3D stent designs, offering important insights for interventional pulmonologists.

Liquid Biopsy and Multidisciplinary Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Surgery is the standard treatment for resectable EC after preoperative chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy, followed by postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in certain cases. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) are predominantly performed to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments, but their sensitivity and accuracy for evaluating minimal residual disease remain unsatisfactory, thereby requiring the development of alternative methods. In recent years, interest has been increasing in using liquid biopsy to assess treatment responses. Liquid biopsy is a noninvasive technology for detecting cell components in the blood and other body fluids. It involves collecting a small sample of body fluid, which is then analyzed for the presence of components, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), microRNA (miRNA), or circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Further, ctDNA and miRNA are analyzed with various techniques, including digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). CTCs are isolated by determining surface antigens using immunomagnetic techniques or by filtering the blood according to cell size and rigidity. Several studies indicate that investigating these materials helps predict EC prognosis and recurrence and possibly stratifies high-risk groups. Liquid biopsy may also apply to the selection of cases that have achieved a complete response through preoperative treatment to prevent surgery and preserve the esophagus, as well as identifying the suitability of postoperative chemotherapy and the timing of conversion surgery for unresectable EC. The potential of liquid biopsy to enhance treatment decisions will further advance EC treatment.

Current Standards and Controversies in Multidisciplinary Management of Locoregional Gastroesophageal Junction Tumors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There has been controversy in the management of gastroesophageal (GE) junction cancers with pre-operative chemoradiation and peri-operative chemotherapy as accepted practices. We aim to assess and compare the defining trials establishing current standards of care and discuss future directions seeking to further improve patient-centered outcomes in GE junction cancers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the last two decades, several large Phase III randomized trials have been conducted including GE junction cancers, showing superiority of 1) pre-operative chemoradiation over surgery (CROSS) and 2) peri-operative chemotherapy with FLOT over CROSS without radiotherapy (FLOT 4). While NEO-Aegis suggested equipoise between the CROSS vs. peri-operative chemotherapy, the recently presented ESOPEC trial demonstrated superiority of peri-operative FLOT versus CROSS in esophagus and GE junction adenocarcinomas. Based on the ESOPEC trial, peri-operative chemotherapy with FLOT appears to be a preferred regimen for patients with resectable GE junction adenocarcinomas in patients able to receive FLOT. There is evidence in support of other practices, such as induction chemotherapy, pre-operative chemoradiation, definitive chemoradiation for those not fitting ESOPEC criteria. Chemoradiation ± chemotherapy with non-operative intent represents a promising strategy for patients seeking organ preservation, and ongoing studies will better define its feasibility and long-term outcomes.

Complete pathologic response in esophageal adenocarcinoma: does it make a difference?

Advancements in neoadjuvant regimens for esophageal adenocarcinoma have enabled some patients to achieve complete pathologic response at time of esophagectomy. There are currently limited data detailing this trend or the implications of complete pathologic response on survival. The National Cancer Database was used to identify 16,169 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma that received trimodal therapy including esophagectomy between 2006 and 2020. Of these, 11.4% had complete pathologic response at esophagectomy. Patient factors, staging characteristics, and survival trends were evaluated. In patients diagnosed between 2016 and 2020, the rate of complete pathologic response was 17.5%. Female sex (OR 1.295, 95% CI 1.134-1.481, p = 0.0001), Black race (OR 1.729, 95% CI 1.362-2.196, p = 0.0002), Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.418, 95% CI 1.073-1.875, p = 0.0141), and later era of diagnosis (2016-2020 OR 2.898, 95% CI 2.508-3.349, p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of complete pathologic response. Clinical stage II disease was associated with an increased probability of complete pathologic response (OR 1.492, 95% CI 1.19-1.871) while clinical stage III disease had a decreased probability of complete pathologic response (OR 0.762, 95% CI 0.621-0.936, p < 0.0001). Complete pathologic response conveyed a strong survival benefit, with a median survival of 86.4 months (95% CI 73.9-102.1) versus 30.7 months (95% CI 29.8-31.7, p < 0.0001) in those without complete pathologic response. Four-year median survival was also higher in those with complete pathologic response (63.3%, 95% CI 60.8-66.0% vs. 39.2%, 95% CI 38.4-40.1%, p < 0.0001). In summary, complete pathologic response is associated with a profound survival advantage in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Such knowledge carries implications for patient counseling, prognostication, and surveillance and demonstrates a need for improved identification of complete clinical response prior to esophagectomy.

Identification of key genes to predict response to chemoradiotherapy and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Chemoradiotherapy is a crucial treatment modality for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aimed to identify chemoradiotherapy sensitivity-related genes and analyze their prognostic value and potential associations with the tumor microenvironment in ESCC.

Methods

Utilizing the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we identified differentially expressed genes between ESCC patients who achieved complete and incomplete pathological responses following chemoradiotherapy. Prognostic genes were then screened, and key genes associated with chemoradiotherapy sensitivity were determined using random survival forest analysis. We examined the relationships between key genes, infiltrating immune cells, and immunoregulatory genes. Additionally, drug sensitivity and enrichment analyses were conducted to assess the impact of key genes on chemotherapy responses and signaling pathways. A prognostic nomogram for ESCC was developed incorporating key genes, and its effectiveness was evaluated. Genome-wide association study data were employed to investigate chromosomal pathogenic regions associated with key genes.

Results

Three key genes including ATF2, SLC27A5, and ALOXE3 were identified. These genes can predict the sensitivity of ESCC patients to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and hold significant clinical relevance in prognostication. These genes were also found to be significantly correlated with certain immune cells and immunoregulatory genes within the tumor microenvironment and were involved in critical tumor-related signaling pathways, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and P53 pathways. A nomogram was established to predict the prognosis of ESCC by integrating key genes with clinical stages, demonstrating favorable predictability and reliability.

Conclusion

This study identified three key genes that predict chemoradiotherapy sensitivity and prognosis and are involved in multiple tumor-related biological processes in ESCC. These findings provide predictive biomarkers for chemoradiotherapy response and support the development of individualized treatment strategies for ESCC patients.

Interval Metastases After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Despite trimodality treatment, 10% to 20% of patients with esophageal cancer experience interval metastases after surgery. Restaging may identify patients who should not proceed to surgery, as well as a subgroup with limited metastases for whom long-term disease-control can be obtained. This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients with interval metastases after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and to evaluate treatment and survival.

METHODS

Patients who had cT2-4aN0-3M0 esophageal cancer treated with nCRT were identified from a trial database. Metastases detected up to 14 weeks after nCRT on 18F-FDG-PET/CT or during surgery were categorized as oligometastases (≤3 lesions located in one single organ or one extra-regional lymph node station) or as non-oligometastases. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with metastases after nCRT. The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and the site and treatment of metastases.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2021, 973 patients received nCRT, and 10.3% had interval metastases. Of 100 patients, 30 (30%) had oligometastases, located mostly in non-regional lymph nodes (33.3%) or bones (26.7%). The median OS of this group was 13.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.2-27.1 months). Of 30 patients, 12 (40%) with oligometastases underwent potentially curative treatment, with a median OS of 22.8 months (95% CI 10.4-NA). The patients with non-oligometastases underwent mostly systemic therapy or BSC and had a median OS of 9 months (95% CI 7.4-10.9 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Interval metastases were detected in about 10% of patients after nCRT, underscoring the importance of re-staging with 18F-FDG-PET/CT for those who proceed to surgery. A favorable survival might be accomplished for a subgroup of patients with oligometastases.

Esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiation in esophageal cancer: a safe therapeutic strategy

The standard treatment regimen for esophageal cancer is chemoradiation followed by esophagectomy. However, the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy damages the surrounding tissue, which potentially increases the risk of postoperative complications, including anastomotic leakage. The impact of definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT, 50.4 Gy radiotherapy) compared to the standard neoadjuvant scheme (nCRT, 41.4 Gy radiotherapy) prior to surgery on the incidence of anastomotic leakage remains poorly understood. To study this, all patients who received dCRT between 2011 and 2021 followed by esophagectomy were included. For each patient, two patients who received nCRT were selected as matched controls. Outcomes included postoperative anastomotic leakage, pulmonary and other complications, anastomotic stenosis, pulmonary and other postoperative complications (Clavien Dindo Classification ≥1), and overall survival. One hundred and eight patients were included with a median follow-up of 28 months. The time between neoadjuvant treatment and surgery was longer in the dCRT group compared to the nCRT group (65 vs. 48 days, P < 0.001). Postoperatively, significantly more patients in the dCRT group suffered from anastomotic leakage (11% vs. 1%, P = 0.04) and anastomotic stenosis (42% vs. 17%, P < 0.01). No differences were found for other complications or overall survival between both groups. In conclusion, preoperative dCRT is associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage and stenosis. These complications, however, can be treated effectively. Therefore, esophagectomy after dCRT is considered to be an appropriate treatment strategy in a selected patient group.

Decision-making experiences of patients and partners opting for active surveillance in esophageal cancer treatment

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the decision-making experiences of patients and their partners or primary caregiver who opted for experimental active surveillance (instead of standard surgery) for the treatment of esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Seventeen couples participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on couples' joint experiences as well as their individual experiences. Preferred and perceived role in the treatment decision-making process was assessed using the adjusted version of the Control Preferences Scale, and perceived influence on the treatment decision was measured using a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Couples reflected on the decision-making process as a positive collaboration, where patients retain their autonomy by making the final decision, and partners offer emotional support. Couples reported about an overwhelming amount and sometimes conflicting information about treatments among different hospitals and healthcare providers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients often involve their partner in decision-making, which they report to have enhanced their ability to cope with the disease. The amount and sometimes conflicting information during the decision-making process provide opportunities for improvement.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Couples can benefit from an overview of what they can expect during treatment course. If active surveillance becomes an established treatment option in the future, provision of such overviews and consistent information should become more streamlined.

Enhancing Preoperative Outcome Prediction: A Comparative Retrospective Case-Control Study on Machine Learning versus the International Esodata Study Group Risk Model for Predicting 90-Day Mortality in Oncologic Esophagectomy

Risk prediction prior to oncologic esophagectomy is crucial for assisting surgeons and patients in their joint informed decision making. Recently, a new risk prediction model for 90-day mortality after esophagectomy using the International Esodata Study Group (IESG) database was proposed, allowing for the preoperative assignment of patients into different risk categories. However, given the non-linear dependencies between patient- and tumor-related risk factors contributing to cumulative surgical risk, machine learning (ML) may evolve as a novel and more integrated approach for mortality prediction. We evaluated the IESG risk model and compared its performance to ML models. Multiple classifiers were trained and validated on 552 patients from two independent centers undergoing oncologic esophagectomies. The discrimination performance of each model was assessed utilizing the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC), the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), and the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). The 90-day mortality rate was 5.8%. We found that IESG categorization allowed for adequate group-based risk prediction. However, ML models provided better discrimination performance, reaching superior AUROCs (0.64 [0.63-0.65] vs. 0.44 [0.32-0.56]), AUPRCs (0.25 [0.24-0.27] vs. 0.11 [0.05-0.21]), and MCCs (0.27 ([0.25-0.28] vs. 0.15 [0.03-0.27]). Conclusively, ML shows promising potential to identify patients at risk prior to surgery, surpassing conventional statistics. Still, larger datasets are needed to achieve higher discrimination performances for large-scale clinical implementation in the future.

International Expert Consensus on Semantics of Multimodal Esophageal Cancer Treatment: Delphi Study

BACKGROUND

Recent developments in esophageal cancer treatment, including studies exploring active surveillance following chemoradiotherapy, have led to a need for clear terminology and definitions regarding different multimodal treatment options.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to reach worldwide consensus on the definitions and semantics of multimodal esophageal cancer treatment.

METHODS

In total, 72 experts working in the field of multimodal esophageal cancer treatment were invited to participate in this Delphi study. The study comprised three Delphi surveys sent out by email and one online meeting. Input for the Delphi survey consisted of terminology obtained from a systematic literature search. Participants were asked to respond to open questions and to indicate whether they agreed or disagreed with different statements. Consensus was reached when there was ≥75% agreement among respondents.

RESULTS

Forty-nine of 72 invited experts (68.1%) participated in the first online Delphi survey, 45 (62.5%) in the second survey, 21 (46.7%) of 45 in the online meeting, and 39 (86.7%) of 45 in the final survey. Consensus on neoadjuvant and definitive chemoradiotherapy with or without surgery was reached for 27 of 31 items (87%). No consensus was reached on follow-up after treatment with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

CONCLUSION(S)

Consensus was reached on most statements regarding terminology and definitions of multimodal esophageal cancer treatment. Implementing uniform criteria facilitates comparison of studies and promotes international research collaborations.

Ultrasound-Guided Quantitative Fluorescence Molecular Endoscopy for Monitoring Response in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

PURPOSE

The ability to identify residual tumor tissues in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is essential for monitoring the treatment response. Using the fluorescent tracer bevacizumab-800CW, we evaluated whether ultrasound-guided quantitative fluorescent molecular endoscopy (US-qFME), which combines quantitative fluorescence molecular endoscopy (qFME) with ultrasound-guided needle biopsy/single-fiber fluorescence (USNB/SFF), can be used to identify residual tumor tissues in patients following nCRT.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Twenty patients received an additional endoscopy procedure the day before surgery. qFME was performed at the primary tumor site (PTS) and in healthy tissue to first establish the optimal tracer dose. USNB/SFF was then used to measure intrinsic fluorescence in the deeper PTS layers and lymph nodes (LN) suspected for metastasis. Finally, the intrinsic fluorescence and the tissue optical properties-specifically, the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients-were combined into a new parameter called omega.

RESULTS

First, a 25-mg bevacizumab-800CW dose allowed for clear differentiation between the PTS and healthy tissue, with a target-to-background ratio (TBR) of 2.98 (IQR, 1.86-3.03). Moreover, we found a clear difference between the deeper esophageal PTS layers and suspected LN compared to healthy tissues, with TBR values of 2.18 and 2.17, respectively. Finally, our new parameter, omega, further improved the ability to differentiate between the PTS and healthy tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining bevacizumab-800CW with US-qFME may serve as a viable strategy for monitoring the response to nCRT in esophageal cancer and may help stratify patients regarding active surveillance versus surgery.

Nomograms to predict tumor regression grade (TRG) and ypTNM staging in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) has increased survival rates for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC), but estimating the impact of NT treatment prior to surgery is still very difficult.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the clinical information of 150 patients with locally advanced EC who got NT at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University between June 2018 and June 2023. Patients were randomized into training and internal validation groups at a 3:1 ratio. Furthermore, an external validation cohort comprised 38 patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy at Qianfoshan Hospital in the Shandong Province between June 2021 and June 2023. Independent risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression (forward stepwise regression). Predictive models and dynamic web nomograms were developed by integrating these risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 188 patients with locally advanced EC were enrolled, of whom 118 achieved stage I of neoadjuvant pathologic TNM (ypTNM) after receiving NT and 129 achieved grades 0-1 in the tumor regression grade (TRG). Logistic regression analysis identified five independent predictors of TRG grades 0-1: pulmonary function tests (PFT), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), triglyceride (TG) levels, squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) levels, and combination immunotherapy. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the training, internal validation, and external validation groups were 0.87, 0.75, and 0.80, respectively. Meanwhile, two independent predictors of stage I of ypTNM were identified: prealbumin (PA) and SCC antigen. The areas under the ROC curves for the training, internal validation, and external validation groups were 0.78, 0.67, and 0.70, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test for both predictive models showed excellent calibration, with well-fitted calibration curves. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curves (CIC) have demonstrated that nomograms are of clinical utility.

CONCLUSION

The nomograms performed well in predicting the likelihood of stage I of ypTNM and TRG grade 0-1 after NT in patients with locally advanced EC. It helps thoracic surgeons to predict the sensitivity of patients to NT before surgery, which enables precise treatment of patients with locally advanced EC.

Nomogram for predicting pathologic complete response following preoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

In patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), accurately predicting a pathologic complete response (pCR) to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) has the potential to enable an active surveillance strategy without esophagectomy. We aimed to establish a reliable multiparameter nomogram model that combines tumor characteristics, imaging modalities, and hematologic markers to predict pCR in patients with ESCC who underwent PCRT and esophagectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 457 patients with ESCC who received PCRT followed by esophagectomy between January 2005 and October 2020. The nomogram model was developed using logistic regression analysis with a training cohort and externally validated with a validation cohort.

Results

In the training and validation cohorts, 44.2% (126/285) and 48.3% (83/172) of patients, respectively, achieved pCR after PCRT. The 5-year rates of overall survival, progression-free survival, and freedom from local progression in the training cohort were 51.6%, 48.5%, and 77.6%, respectively. The parameters included in the nomogram were histologic grade, clinical N stage, maximum standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography, and post-PCRT biopsy. Hematologic markers were significantly associated with survival outcomes but not with pCR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the nomogram was 0.717, 0.704, and 0.707 for the training cohort, internal validation cohort, and external validation cohort, respectively.

Conclusion

Our nomogram model based on four parameters obtained from standard clinical practice demonstrated good performance in both the training and validation cohorts and could be useful to aid clinical decision-making to determine whether surgery or active surveillance strategy should be pursued.

Current trends in the management of Gastro-oEsophageal cancers: Updates to the ESSO core curriculum (ESSO-ETC-UGI-WG initiative)

Gastro-oEsophageal Cancers (GECs) are severe diseases whose management is rapidly evolving. The European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) is committed to the generation and spread of knowledge, and promotes the multidisciplinary management of cancer patients through its core curriculum. The present work discusses the approach to GECs, including the management of oligometastatic oesophagogastric cancers (OMEC), the diagnosis and management of peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer (GC), the management of Siewert Type II tumors, the importance of mesogastric excision, the role of robotic surgery, textbook outcomes, organ preserving options, the use of molecular markers and immune check-point inhibitors in the management of patients with GECs, as well as the improvement of current clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with GECs. The aim of the present review is to provide a concise overview of the state-of-the-art on the management of patients with GECs and, at the same time, to share the latest advancements in the field and to foster the debate between surgical oncologists treating GECs worldwide. We are sure that our work will, at the same time, give an update to the advanced surgical oncologists and help the training surgical oncologists to settle down the foundations for their future practice.

Advances in diagnosis and management of cancer of the esophagus

Esophageal cancer is the seventh most common malignancy worldwide, with over 470 000 new cases diagnosed each year. Two distinct histological subtypes predominate, and should be considered biologically separate disease entities.1 These subtypes are esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Outcomes remain poor regardless of subtype, with most patients presenting with late stage disease.2 Novel strategies to improve early detection of the respective precursor lesions, squamous dysplasia, and Barrett's esophagus offer the potential to improve outcomes. The introduction of a limited number of biologic agents, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors, is resulting in improvements in the systemic treatment of locally advanced and metastatic esophageal cancer. These developments, coupled with improvements in minimally invasive surgical and endoscopic treatment approaches, as well as adaptive and precision radiotherapy technologies, offer the potential to improve outcomes still further. This review summarizes the latest advances in the diagnosis and management of esophageal cancer, and the developments in understanding of the biology of this disease.

[Tailored surgery in the treatment of gastroesophageal cancer]

The surgical options and particularly perioperative treatment, have significantly advanced in the case of gastroesophageal cancer. This progress enables a 5-year survival rate of nearly 50% to be achieved through curative multimodal treatment concepts for locally advanced cancer. Therefore, in tumor boards and surgical case discussions the question increasingly arises regarding the type of treatment that provides optimal oncological and functional outcomes for individual patients with pre-existing diseases. It is therefore essential to carefully assess whether organ-preserving treatment might also be considered in the future or in what way minimally invasive or robotic surgery can offer advantages. Simultaneously, the boundaries of surgical and oncological treatment are currently being shifted in order to enable curative forms of treatment for patients with pre-existing conditions or those with oligometastatic diseases. With the integration of artificial intelligence into decision-making processes, new possibilities for information processing are increasingly becoming available to incorporate even more data into making decisions in the future.

Low-Dose Radiation Yields Lower Rates of Pathologic Response in Esophageal Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Although neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) followed by surgery is standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (E/GEJ) cancer, the optimal radiation dose is still under debate.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different preoperative radiation doses (41.4 Gy, 45 Gy or 50.4 Gy) on pathologic response and survival in E/GEJ cancer patients.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with E/GEJ tumors, treated with curative intent between January 2009 and December 2016 in two referral centers were divided into three groups (41.4 Gy, 45 Gy and 50.4 Gy) according to the dose of preoperative radiotherapy. Pathologic complete response (pCR) rates, postoperative morbidity, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared among the three groups, with separate analyses for adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

RESULTS

From the 326 patients analyzed, 48 were included in the 41.4 Gy group (14.7%), 171 in the 45 Gy group (52.5%) and 107 in the 50.4 Gy group (32.8%). Postoperative complication rates were comparable (p = 0.399). A pCR was observed in 15%, 30%, and 34% of patients in the 41.4 Gy, 45 Gy and 50.4 Gy groups, respectively (p = 0.047). A 50.4 Gy dose was independently associated with pCR (odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.10-7.99) in multivariate analysis. Within AC patients, pCR was observed in 6.2% of patients in the 41.4 Gy group, 29.2% of patients in the 45 Gy group, and 22.7% of patients in the 50.4 Gy group (p = 0.035). No OS or DFS differences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A pCR was less common after a preoperative radiation dose of 41.4 Gy in AC patients. Radiation dose had no impact on postoperative morbidity, long-term survival, and recurrence.

Delayed esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma is associated with a negative impact on long-term survival and an increased risk of perioperative morbidity

OBJECTIVE

Delayed esophagectomy (DE) following chemoradiation therapy (CXRT) for esophageal carcinoma is undertaken in selected patients. This study aimed to assess both short-term outcomes and long-term survival for patients with adenocarcinoma undergoing DE.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer clinical stage II-III esophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing esophagectomy after CXRT. Patients were categorized as (1) DE, ≥90 days between completion of CXRT and surgery or (2) nondelayed esophagectomy (NDE), <90 days. Cox regression was performed to identify factors associated with mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 8157 patients met criteria. Age >69, nonwhite race, Medicare/Medicaid insured patients preferentially underwent DE. Five-year overall survival (OS) favored NDE (36% vs. 31%, p = 0.008). Cox regression identified DE, clinical stage >T2, or >N0 as factors associated with mortality. Within the DE group, OS favored early cT-status. DE fared worse than NDE in 30- and 90-day mortality (4.5%/11.1% vs. 2.9%/6.5%, p < 0.01/p < 0.001) and margin positive resection (7.1% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For esophageal adenocarcinoma, DE is associated with decreased OS compared to NDE. For DE, cT-status is prognostic for OS, while cN-status was not. Increased 30-/90-day mortality and margin positive resection rates for DE question whether patients with locally advanced (cT3/T4) primary esophageal adenocarcinoma should undergo intentional DE.

Patients' Preferences Towards Decision Counseling for Active Surveillance After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Decision counseling (DC) is offered to enable patients to reflect on their treatment preferences and to think through the consequences of alternative treatment options. However, the timing of DC is debatable. In this study, patients who underwent DC at different times were interviewed about their experiences, specifically focusing on the timing of DC.

METHODS

Patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer eligible for participation in a prospective cohort study on active surveillance (SANO-2 study) were offered DC either before or after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Structured interviews were conducted by phone 1 week after DC, and responses were analyzed using frequency counts for the answers to set response categories. The primary outcome was the preferred time to receive DC, while the secondary outcome was the overall experience of patients with DC.

RESULTS

Overall, 40 patients were offered DC between 2021 and 2023. Patients who had counseling before the start of nCRT (n = 20) were satisfied with the timing of DC. Of the 20 patients who had DC after nCRT, 6 would have preferred counseling at an earlier time point. Patients who had DC both before or after the completion of nCRT reflected positively on DC.

CONCLUSION

It is recommended to introduce the option of DC as early as possible and discuss with the patient at which moment during the decision-making process they prefer to discuss all treatment options more extensively.

Outcomes of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who achieved a pathological complete response in the primary lesion by neoadjuvant treatment: a Japanese nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Minimal data was reported regarding the characteristics, risks of lymph node metastasis, and prognostic factors in esophageal cancer patients who achieved remarkable response in the primary lesion to neoadjuvant treatment (NAT).

METHODS

This study evaluated the nationwide data of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who underwent surgery following NAT in Japan. Of 4484 patients, 300 (6.7%) had ypT0 following NAT and curative esophagectomy. Factors associated with lymph node metastasis and prognosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) were administered in 260 (86.2%) and 40 (13.8%) patients, respectively. Pathologically, 72 (24.0%) had lymph node metastasis (residual nodal disease; RND), and pretherapeutic lymph node metastasis was the independent risk factor for RND (odd ratio [OR]: 3.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-8.20; P = 0.008). The 5-year overall and relapse-free survivals were significantly longer in patients with pathological complete response (pCR) than in those with RND (both P < 0.001). Pretherapeutic cT3 or T4a tumors (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.02-2.88; P = 0.043), RND (HR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.98-5.50; P < 0.001), and operative blood loss (Liter, HR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.07-2.19; P = 0.021) were independent risk factors affecting relapse-free survival in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Of patients with ypT0 after NAT, 24.0% had RND, and pretherapeutic lymph node metastasis was the risk factor. In addition, pretherapeutic cT3, or T4a tumors, RND, and operative blood loss were the poor prognosticators in patients with ypT0 after NAT.

Comparison of therapeutic outcomes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: A prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) may not always receive resection despite the possible achievement of a pathologic complete response (pCR) being associated with superior survival benefit. We aimed to compare outcomes among ESCC patients with or without pCR and those refusing surgery.

METHODS

In total, 111 medically operable, non-cervical ESCC patients after the same protocol of nCRT (platinum/5-fluorouracil plus radiation 50Gy) were prospectively enrolled between 2011 and 2021. Eighty-three of them underwent esophagectomy comprising pCR (n = 32) and non-pCR (n = 51), while 28 operable patients declined surgery (refusal-of-surgery group). Predictors and survival data were analyzed.

RESULTS

In terms of esophagectomy, 38.5% (32/83) patients achieved pCR. The pCR group exhibited better pretreatment performance status than the non-pCR group (adjusted odds ratio: 0.11, 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.58; p = 0.01). Among pCR, non-pCR, and refusal-of-surgery groups, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 56%, 29% and 50% (p = 0.08) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 52%, 28% and 36% (p = 0.07) respectively. The pCR group had significantly better OS and PFS than the non-PCR group (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.33 and 1.93, p = 0.02 and 0.049 respectively) but not the refusal-of-surgery group.

CONCLUSION

Better pretreatment performance status is associated with higher chance of pCR. Consistent with previous studies, we found attainment of pCR confers the best OS and PFS. Suboptimal OS in the refusal-of-surgery group reflects some of them would have residual disease in addition to complete remission. Further studies are needed to identify prognostic factors of pCR to select candidates who could validly decline esophagectomy.

CT-based deep learning radiomics and hematological biomarkers in the assessment of pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A two-center study

PURPOSE

To evaluate and validate CT-based models using pre- and posttreatment deep learning radiomics features and hematological biomarkers for assessing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study recruited patients with biopsy-proven ESCC who underwent nCRT from two Chinese hospitals between May 2017 and May 2022, divided into a training set (hospital I, 111 cases), an internal validation set (hospital I, 47 cases), and an external validation set (hospital II, 33 cases). We used minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) as feature selection methods and three classifiers as model construction methods. The assessment of models was performed using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA).

RESULTS

A total 190 patients were included in our study (60.8 ± 7.08 years, 133 men), and seventy-seven of them (40.5 %) achieved pCR. The logistic regression (LR)-based combined model incorporating neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte to monocyte ratio, albumin, and radscores performed well both in the internal and external validation sets with AUCs of 0.875 and 0.857 (95 % CI, 0.776-0.964; 0.731-0.984, P <0.05), respectively. DCA demonstrated that nomogram was useful for pCR prediction and produced clinical net benefits.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of radscores and hematological biomarkers into LR-based model improved pCR prediction after nCRT in ESCC. Enhanced pCR predictability may improve patients selection before surgery, providing clinical application value for the use of active surveillance.

Total neoadjuvant therapy in oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal junctional adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and gastro-oesophageal junction represent a large burden of cancer death in the Western World with an increasing incidence. In the past two decades, the overall survival of patients on a potentially curative treatment pathway has more than doubled due to the addition of perioperative oncological therapies to surgery. However, patients often fail to respond to oncological treatment or struggle to complete their treatment after surgery. In this review, we discuss the current evidence for total neoadjuvant therapy and options for assessment of treatment response.

Characteristics Predicting Short-Term and Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Esophageal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Esophagectomy is associated with lasting effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients desire detailed information on the expected impact of treatment on their postoperative HRQOL. The aim of the present study is to identify clinicopathological characteristics predictive for changes in short-term and long-term HRQOL after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and surgery.

METHODS

HRQOL was measured using EORTC-QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES24 questionnaires prior to nCRT, three, six, nine and twelve months postoperatively and at a minimum of six years postoperatively. Based on previous experience and available literature, several subgroups were predefined for different clinicopathological characteristics: baseline global HRQOL, WHO performance status, histology, tumor stage and tumor location. The primary endpoints of the present study were the change compared to baseline in the HRQOL dimensions physical functioning and eating problems. Secondary endpoints were global HRQOL, fatigue and emotional problems.

RESULTS

In total, 134 (76%) of 177 patients who received HRQOL questionnaires, responded at baseline. Patients who reported a high baseline global HRQOL had a more severe deterioration in eating problems (+14.5 to + 18.0), global HRQOL (-16.0 to -28.0) and fatigue (+10.5 to +14.9) up to six years postoperatively compared to patients who reported a low baseline global HRQOL. Patients who had stage 2 tumor (UICC 6th edition) had a more severe deterioration in eating problems (+14.6 to +19.0) and global HRQOL (-10.1 to -17.1) than patients who had stage 3 tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer in favorable condition at baseline decline more in terms of various HRQOL outcomes.

Esophageal cancer - French intergroup clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatments and follow-up (TNCD, SNFGE, FFCD, GERCOR, UNICANCER, SFCD, SFED, SFRO, ACHBT, SFP, RENAPE, SNFCP, AFEF, SFR)

INTRODUCTION

This document is a summary of the French intergroup guidelines regarding the management of esophageal cancer (EC) published in July 2022, available on the website of the French Society of Gastroenterology (SNFGE) (www.tncd.org).

METHODS

This collaborative work was conducted under the auspices of several French medical and surgical societies involved in the management of EC. Recommendations were graded in three categories (A, B and C), according to the level of evidence found in the literature until April 2022.

RESULTS

EC diagnosis and staging evaluation are mainly based on patient's general condition assessment, endoscopy plus biopsies, TAP CT-scan and 18F FDG-PET. Surgery alone is recommended for early-stage EC, while locally advanced disease (N+ and/or T3-4) is treated with perioperative chemotherapy (FLOT) or preoperative chemoradiation (CROSS regimen) followed by immunotherapy for adenocarcinoma. Preoperative chemoradiation (CROSS regimen) followed by immunotherapy or definitive chemoradiation with the possibility of organ preservation are the two options for squamous cell carcinoma. Salvage surgery is recommended for incomplete response or recurrence after definitive chemoradiation and should be performed in an expert center. Treatment for metastatic disease is based on systemic therapy including chemotherapy, immunotherapy or combined targeted therapy according to biomarkers testing such as HER2 status, MMR status and PD-L1 expression.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines are intended to provide a personalised therapeutic strategy for daily clinical practice and are subject to ongoing optimization. Each individual case should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team.

Endoscopic Evaluation of Pathological Complete Response Using Deep Neural Network in Esophageal Cancer Patients Who Received Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy-Multicenter Retrospective Study from Four Japanese Esophageal Centers

BACKGROUND

Detecting pathological complete response (pCR) before surgery would facilitate nonsurgical approach after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-guided pCR evaluation using a deep neural network to identify pCR before surgery.

METHODS

This study examined resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who underwent esophagectomy after NAC. The same number of histological responders without pCR and non-responders were randomly selected based on the number of pCR patients. Endoscopic images were analyzed using a deep neural network. A test dataset consisting of 20 photos was used for validation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of AI and four experienced endoscopists' pCR evaluations were calculated. For pathological response evaluation, Japanese Classification of Esophageal Cancer was used.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 123 patients, including 41 patients with pCR, the same number of histological responders without pCR, and non-responders [grade 0, 5 (4%); grade 1a, 36 (30%); grade 1b, 21 (17%); grade 2, 20 (16%); grade 3, 41 (33%)]. In 20 models, the median values of sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for endoscopic response (ER) detection were 60%, 81%, 77%, 67%, and 70%, respectively. Similarly, the endoscopists' median of these was 43%, 90%, 85%, 65%, and 66%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that the AI-guided endoscopic response evaluation after NAC could identify pCR with moderate accuracy. The current AI algorithm might guide an individualized treatment strategy including nonsurgical approach in ESCC patients through prospective studies with careful external validation to demonstrate the clinical value of this diagnostic approach including primary tumor and lymph node.

Nivolumab adjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer: a review based on subgroup analysis of CheckMate 577 trial

Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Approximately 50% of patients have locally advanced disease. The CROSS and NEOCRTEC5010 trials have demonstrated that neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is the standard treatment for patients with resectable disease. However, a pathological complete response is frequently not achieved, and most patients have a poor prognosis. The CheckMate 577 trial demonstrates that nivolumab adjuvant therapy improves disease-free survival in patents without a pathological complete response. However, there are still numerous clinical questions of concern that remain controversial based on the results of the subgroup analysis. In this review, we aim to offer constructive suggestions addressing the clinical concerns raised in the CheckMate 577 trial.

Surgeon's steering behaviour towards patients to participate in a cluster randomised trial on active surveillance for oesophageal cancer: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have been conducted into how physicians use steering behaviour that may persuade patients to choose for a particular treatment, let alone to participate in a randomised trial. The aim of this study is to assess if and how surgeons use steering behaviour in their information provision to patients in their choice to participate in a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial investigating an organ sparing treatment in (curable) oesophageal cancer (SANO trial).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A qualitative study was performed. Thematic content analysis was applied to audiotaped and transcribed consultations of twenty patients with eight different oncological surgeons in three Dutch hospitals. Patients could choose to participate in a clinical trial in which an experimental treatment of 'active surveillance' (AS) was offered. Patients who did not want to participate underwent standard treatment: neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by oesophagectomy.

RESULTS

Surgeons used various techniques to steer patients towards one of the two options, mostly towards AS. The presentation of pros and cons of treatment options was imbalanced: positive framing of AS was used to steer patients towards the choice for AS, and negative framing of AS to make the choice for surgery more attractive. Further, steering language, i.e. suggestive language, was used, and surgeons seemed to use the timing of the introduction of the different treatment options, to put more focus on one of the treatment options.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of steering behaviour can help to guide physicians in more objectively informing patients on participation in future clinical trials.

Active surveillance of oesophageal cancer after response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: dysphagia is uncommon

BACKGROUND

Active surveillance is being investigated as an alternative to standard surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer. It is unknown whether dysphagia persists or develops when the oesophagus is preserved after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of dysphagia during active surveillance in patients with an ongoing response.

METHODS

Patients who underwent active surveillance were identified from the Surgery As Needed for Oesophageal cancer ('SANO') trial. Patients without evidence of residual oesophageal cancer until at least 6 months after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were included. Study endpoints were assessed at time points that patients were cancer-free and remained cancer-free for the next 4 months. Dysphagia scores were evaluated at 6, 9, 12, and 16 months after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Scores were based on the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer oesophago-gastric quality-of-life questionnaire 25 (EORTC QLQ-OG25) (range 0-100; no to severe dysphagia). The rate of patients with a (non-)traversable stenosis was determined based on all available endoscopy reports.

RESULTS

In total, 131 patients were included, of whom 93 (71.0 per cent) had adenocarcinoma, 93 (71.0 per cent) had a cT3-4a tumour, and 33 (25.2 per cent) had a tumour circumference of greater than 75 per cent at endoscopy; 60.8 to 71.0 per cent of patients completed questionnaires per time point after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. At all time points after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, median dysphagia scores were 0 (interquartile range 0-0). Two patients (1.5 per cent) underwent an intervention for a stenosis: one underwent successful endoscopic dilatation; and the other patient required temporary tube feeding. Notably, these patients did not participate in questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

Dysphagia and clinically relevant stenosis are uncommon during active surveillance.

Enhancing Prediction for Tumor Pathologic Response to Neoadjuvant Immunochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer by Dynamic Parameters from Clinical Assessments

To develop accurate and accessible prediction methods for assessing pathologic response following NICT prior to surgery, we conducted a retrospective study including 137 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent surgery after two cycles of NICT between January 2019 and March 2022 at our center. We collected clinical parameters to evaluate the dynamic changes in the primary tumor. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the correlations between these parameters and the pathologic response of the primary tumor. Subsequently, we constructed prediction models for pCR and MPR using multivariate logistic regression. The MPR prediction Model 2 was internally validated using bootstrapping and externally validated using an independent cohort from our center. The univariate logistic analysis revealed significant differences in clinical parameters reflecting tumor regression among patients with varying pathologic responses. The clinical models based on these assessments demonstrated excellent predictive performance, with the training cohort achieving a C-index of 0.879 for pCR and 0.912 for MPR, while the testing cohort also achieved a C-index of 0.912 for MPR. Notably, the MPR prediction Model 2, with a threshold cut-off of 0.74, exhibited 92.7% specificity and greater than 70% sensitivity, indicating a low rate of underestimating residual tumors. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the high accuracy of clinical assessment-based models in pathologic response prediction, aiding in decision-making regarding organ preservation and radiotherapy adjustments after induction immunochemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy or Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Real-World Data Comparison from A Japanese Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Although neoadjuvant treatment has become the standard of care for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, previous studies comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) have demonstrated inconclusive results.

METHODS

Our study cohort included 3978 patients from 85 institutions. Those who underwent NAC or NACRT followed by surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) were eligible for inclusion. We used the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method to compare the outcomes between NAC and NACRT.

RESULTS

Among the 3978 patients, 3777 (94.9%) received NAC and 201 (5.1%) received NACRT. After IPTW adjustment, the NACRT group had more patients with pathologically downstaged diseases and significantly better pathological response compared with the NAC group (p < 0.001); however, 5-year overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and regional recurrence-specific survival (RRSS) were comparable between the groups. Subgroup analysis stratifying patients according to cT category showed that among cT1-2 patients, those in the NACRT group had significantly longer 5-year OS, RFS, and RRSS than those in the NAC group (P = 0.024, < 0.001, and 0.020, respectively). In contrast, no significant differences were observed among cT3-4a patients. The competing risks regression model showed comparable subdistribution hazard ratios for 10-year cancerous and noncancerous deaths between the NAC and NACRT groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with NAC, NACRT for ESCC did not promote better survival despite better therapeutic effects and did not increase noncancerous deaths.

Salvage Esophagectomy After Definitive Chemoradiotherapy for Squamous Cell Esophageal Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Study in a High-Volume Center

BACKGROUND

Salvage esophagectomy, indicated for some patients with locally recurrent/persistent disease after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT), reportedly has high postoperative complications. This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of dCRT followed by salvage esophagectomy (DCRE) with planned esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRE) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all locally advanced ESCC patients treated with DCRE or NCRE at Shanghai Chest Hospital from 2018 to 2021. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline differences. DCRE is defined as esophagectomy for recurrent/persistent disease after dCRT.

RESULTS

A total of 302 patients (41 for DCRE and 261 for NCRE) were included. The median interval of chemoradiotherapy-to-surgery was 47d in NCRE, 43d and 440d in DCRE of persistent disease (n = 24) and recurrence (n = 17), respectively. DCRE was observed with advanced ypT stage (63% vs 38%), poorer differentiation (32% vs 15%) and more lymphovascular invasion (29% vs 11%) compared with NCRE (all p < 0.05). The above factors were comparable between the two groups after PSM (all p > 0.05). There were no significant differences before and after PSM in postoperative complications over Clavien-Dindo grade III (e.g., respiratory failure and anastomotic leak), 30/90-day postoperative mortality, and survival.

CONCLUSION

Through a standardized surgical procedure in a high-volume center, DCRE exhibited comparable postoperative complications and prognosis with NCRE.

Esophageal cancer patients' need for information and support in making a treatment decision between standard surgery and active surveillance

BACKGROUND

This study explores patients' need for information and support in deciding on esophageal cancer treatment, when experimental active surveillance and standard surgery are both feasible.

METHODS

This psychological companion study was conducted alongside the Dutch SANO-trial (Surgery As Needed for Oesophageal cancer). In-depth interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from patients who declined participation in the trial because they had a strong preference for either active surveillance (n = 20) or standard surgery (n = 20). Data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques.

RESULTS

Patients prefer to receive information directly from their doctors and predominantly rely on this information to make a treatment decision. Other information resources are largely used to confirm their treatment decision. Patients highly value support from their loved ones and appreciate emphatic doctors to actively involve them in the decision-making process. Overall, patients' needs for information and support during decision-making were met.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of shared decision-making and the role doctors have in this process is underlined. The role of doctors is essential at the initial phase of decision-making: Once patients seem to have formed their treatment preference for either active surveillance or surgery, the influence of external resources (including doctors) may be limited.

The genomic signature of resistance to platinum-containing neoadjuvant therapy based on single-cell data

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) becomes the first-line option for advanced tumors, while patients who are not sensitive to it may not benefit. Therefore, it is important to screen patients suitable for NACT.

METHODS

Single-cell data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) before and after cisplatin-containing (CDDP) NACT and cisplatin IC50 data of tumor cell lines were analyzed to establish a CDDP neoadjuvant chemotherapy score (NCS). Differential analysis, GO, KEGG, GSVA and logistic regression models were performed by R. Survival analysis were applied to public databases. siRNA knockdown in A549, PC9, TE1 cell lines, qRT-PCR, western-blot, cck8 and EdU experiments were used for further verification in vitro.

RESULTS

485 genes were expressed differentially in tumor cells before and after neoadjuvant treatment for LUAD and ESCC. After combining the CDDP-associated genes, 12 genes, CAV2, PHLDA1, DUSP23, VDAC3, DSG2, SPINT2, SPATS2L, IGFBP3, CD9, ALCAM, PRSS23, PERP, were obtained and formed the NCS score. The higher the score, the more sensitive the patients were to CDDP-NACT. The NCS divided LUAD and ESCC into two groups. Based on differentially expressed genes, a model was constructed to predict the high and low NCS. CAV2, PHLDA1, ALCAM, CD9, IGBP3 and VDAC3 were significantly associated with prognosis. Finally, we demonstrated that the knockdown of CAV2, PHLDA1 and VDAC3 in A549, PC9 and TE1 significantly increased the sensitivity to cisplatin.

CONCLUSIONS

NCS scores and related predictive models for CDDP-NACT were developed and validated to assist in selecting patients who might benefit from it.

Utility of Mid-treatment DWI in Selecting Pathological Responders to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE

Pathological complete response correlates with better clinical outcomes in locally advanced esophageal cancer (LA-EC). However, there is lack of prognostic markers to identify patients in the current setting of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) followed by surgery. This study evaluates the utility of mid-treatment diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in identifying pathological responders of NACRT.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with LA-EC on NACRT were prospectively recruited and underwent three MRI (baseline, mid-treatment, end-of-RT) scans. DWI-derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mean and minimum were used as a surrogate to evaluate the treatment response, and its correlation to pathological response was assessed.

RESULTS

Mid-treatment ADC mean was significantly higher among patients with pathological response compared to non-responders (p = 0.011). ADC difference (ΔADC) between baseline and mid-treatment correlated with tumor response (p = 0.007). ADC at other time points did not correlate to pathological response.

CONCLUSION

In this study, mid-treatment ADC values show potential to be a surrogate for tumor response in NACRT. However, larger trials are required to establish DW-MRI as a definite biomarker for tumor response.

Quality of life and survival outcomes of patients with inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after definitive radiation therapy: A multicenter retrospective observational study in China from 2015 to 2016

Objectives

To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of long-term survivors of inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with definitive radiation therapy, the real-world trends in the use of advanced radiation techniques, and their impact on the survival outcomes of ESCC patients.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective observational study, the medical records related to demographics and treatment of ESCC patients who were treated with definitive radiation therapy at 14 provincial hospitals in China from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016 were analyzed. A HRQL questionnaire was completed by survivors and collected by doctors at the final follow-up. The difference in quality of life between patients with or without recurrence was compared using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the group differences were assessed by unstratified log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model with Efron's method of tie handling was used to calculate the risk factors for OS.

Results

The data of a total of 3,308 patients were collected for this study, 248 were excluded because of missing data, and a final of 3,060 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients (2,901; 94.8%) received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)/volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT)/tomotherapy (TOMO). The 5-year OS rate was 30%. Patients who received either two-dimensional radiotherapy (2DRT; HR, 2.43 [95% CI, 1.70-3.47]; P < 0.001) or three-dimensional radiotherapy (3DRT; HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.14-1.84]; P = 0.003) had a significantly increased risk of death compared to those who received IMRT/VMAT/TOMO. Of the 716 (23.4%) long-term survivors who completed the HRQL questionnaire, nearly 70% patients were still able to swallow normally or almost normally, and >80% patients did not experience weight loss. Nearly 80% patients found life very enjoyable or were fairly enjoying life.

Conclusions

This large, multicenter retrospective study on ESCC patients who received definitive radiation therapy found that most ESCC survivors are satisfied with their quality of life. Most patients received advanced radiation technology. Patients who received either 2DRT or 3DRT had a significantly increased risk of death compared to those who received advanced radiation technology.

Radiotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in locally advanced/metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: clinical trials, efficacy and future directions

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignancy worldwide and often diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognosis. Combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy seems to be a promising approach for treating ESCC. This comprehensive review article summarizes the current state of combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in locally advanced/metastatic ESCC, delineates the clinical trials that merit attention, and outlines unresolved issues and future research directions in this field. The clinical trial findings suggest that radio-immunotherapy combination may improve tumor response and overall survival with manageable side effects, highlighting the importance of patient selection and the necessity for further research to optimize treatment strategies. Issues such as irradiation dosage, fractionation regimen, irradiation site and technique of radiotherapy, as well as the timing, sequence and duration of combination therapy will all affect treatment outcomes, justifying further in-depth investigation.

Delta-radiomics based on CT predicts pathologic complete response in ESCC treated with neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and surgery

Background and purpose

Unnecessary surgery can be avoided, and more appropriate treatment plans can be developed for patients if the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy for esophageal cancer (EC) can be predicted before surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of machine learning models based on delta features of immunochemotherapy CT images to predict the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) compared with machine learning models based solely on postimmunochemotherapy CT images.

Materials and methods

A total of 95 patients were enrolled in our study and randomly divided into a training group (n = 66) and test group (n = 29). We extracted preimmunochemotherapy radiomics features from preimmunochemotherapy enhanced CT images in the preimmunochemotherapy group (pregroup) and postimmunochemotherapy radiomics features from postimmunochemotherapy enhanced CT images in the postimmunochemotherapy group (postgroup). We then subtracted the preimmunochemotherapy features from the postimmunochemotherapy features and obtained a series of new radiomics features that were included in the delta group. The reduction and screening of radiomics features were carried out by using the Mann-Whitney U test and LASSO regression. Five pairwise machine learning models were established, the performance of which was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analyses.

Results

The radiomics signature of the postgroup was composed of 6 radiomics features; that of the delta-group was composed of 8 radiomics features. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the machine learning model with the best efficacy was 0.824 (0.706-0.917) in the postgroup and 0.848 (0.765-0.917) in the delta group. The decision curve showed that our machine learning models had good predictive performance. The delta group performed better than the postgroup for each corresponding machine learning model.

Conclusion

We established machine learning models that have good predictive efficacy and can provide certain reference values for clinical treatment decision-making. Our machine learning models based on delta imaging features performed better than those based on single time-stage postimmunochemotherapy imaging features.