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

OBJECTIVES: Although salvage endoscopic resection is an optimal treatment for local failure after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, recurrent metastasis (lymph node and/or distant metastasis) after salvage endoscopic resection may occur with a certain degree of unavoidable frequency and is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the risk factors for recurrent metastasis are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for recurrent metastasis after salvage endoscopic resection. METHODS: Patients who underwent salvage endoscopic resection for local failure after chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy were analyzed in this single-center, retrospective study. We evaluated the cumulative incidence rates of recurrent metastases, overall survival, and the risk factors for recurrent metastasis after salvage endoscopic resection. RESULTS: We analyzed 132 patients. The 5-year cumulative incidence rate of recurrent metastases after salvage endoscopic resection was 25.7%. The 5-year overall survival rates in all patients and in patients with recurrent metastasis were 66.8% and 22.5%, respectively. Local failure pattern with a residual lesion after chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy (subdistribution hazard ratio 2.34; P = 0.012) and the presence of lymphatic invasion in salvage endoscopic resection specimen (subdistribution hazard ratio 3.20; P = 0.002) were significant risk factors for recurrent metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with local failure pattern with a residual lesion after chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy and presence of lymphatic invasion have a high risk for recurrent metastasis. Thus, appropriate surveillance for these patients should be considered.

Technical feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection for local failure after chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) after chemoradiotherapy can be technically difficult as a result of radiation-induced fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of ESD for local failure after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and for other primary lesions within the irradiation field. METHODS: Consecutive patients treated with ESD for superficial ESCC between December 2009 and May 2017 were investigated retrospectively and stratified into group A (33 patients, 35 lesions; local failure at the primary site after chemoradiotherapy), group B (25 patients, 34 lesions; second primary lesions within the irradiation field), and group C (550 patients, 596 lesions; radiotherapy-naïve superficial ESCC). We evaluated procedural success rate, en bloc resection rate, 1-year local relapse-free survival (LRFS) rate, procedure time, and incidence of major adverse events. RESULTS: The rates of procedural success and en bloc resection, respectively, were significantly lower in group A (89%, 86%) than in groups B (100%, 100%) and C (100%, 98%). The 1-year LRFS rates were 86%, 100%, and 99% in groups A, B, and C, respectively, and significantly lower in group A than in group C. Serious adverse events including perforation were not observed in groups A and B; perforation occurred only in group C (2.8%). CONCLUSIONS: ESD is technically feasible in patients with local failure, especially as initial salvage treatment and as treatment for second primary lesions within the irradiation field.