Clinical analysis of 81 cases with primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognostic factors in patients with primary small cell carcinoma (SmCC) of the esophagus. Eighty-one esophageal SmCC patients were treated from 1999 to 2007 in our department, and their clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 81 patients, 52 (64.2%) were in limited stage (LS) and 23 (28.4%) in extensive stage (ES). The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 55.6%, 6.2% and 2.5%, respectively, with a median survival time of 13.5 months for the whole group; 69.2%, 7.3% and 3.6%, respectively, with a median survival time of 15 months for the LS group; while only 25.2%, 0 and 0, respectively, with a median survival time of 6 months for the ES group. Multivariate analysis showed that disease stage, performance status, multidisciplinary comprehensive therapy and mode of treatment were independent prognostic factors. Esophageal small cell carcinoma is a rare but highly aggressive malignant tumor. Disease stage and performance status are important prognostic factors. Appropriate treatment may play a key role in improving the survival of the patients.