291. TREATMENT OUTCOMES ACCORDING TO PATHOLOGICAL RESPONSE AFTER NEOADJUVANT CHEMORADIATION AND SURGEY IN OESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery is now standard of care for resectable oesophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to analyse various parameters of treatment outcome with respect to pathologic complete responders (pCR) and pathological partial responders. Methods Consecutive 136 patients with operable oesophageal cancer, who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by oesophageal surgery between march 2013 to january 2023 were included. Data was extracted from electronically and physically maintained patient clinical records. Data was collected in mircosoft excel and analysed using Epi Info Version 7.2. Chi square test and student t test were used to test the difference between proportions and means respectively. All tests were 2 tailed and significance level was 0.05. Various demographic, clinical and treatment outcome parameters were analysed according to pathological complete responders (pCR) and pathological partial responders. Results Out of 136 patients, 112(82.3%) had squamous histology. Among 136 patients, 75(55%)had pCR. Postoperative complications were seen in 30(49.18%) of pCR group as compared to 24(32%) in partial responders (p = 0.04). Pulmonary 16(53%) vs 8(33%), cardiac 5(16%) vs 3(12%) and vocal cord palsy 6(20%) vs 8(32%) complications were seen in pCR vs partial responders respectively. 9(14.75%) of pCR group had recurrences as compared to 32(45.33%) in partial responders (p = 0.003). pCR group had distant recurrences in neck 4(66.6%) (p = 0.01) and liver 4(66%) as compared to 2(14.3%) and 4(28.5%) respectively in partial responders. Conclusion High pCR is seen due to more number of patients with squamous histology. pCR has more postoperative pulmonary and cardiac complications which may indicate inherent radiosensitivity and tissue fragility which mandates strict ERAS program and affirms deferred surgery and wait and watch policy for complete clinical responders. Recurrences in pCR are less but are seen mostly in distant sites indicating aggressive surveillance protocol.