Overexpression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Its Clinicopathological Significance: A Meta-Analysis of 1118 Cases With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate was 44.6%. A total of 7 patients had LRR. Three patients had LRR in the H&N region only while 4 patients had LRR in both the H&N and esophageal regions. Univariate analysis determined that the radiation dose to H&N cancer (<70 Gy) and the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia were significant prognostic factors associated with OS (p Z 0.003 and 0.019, respectively). The occurrence rate of aspiration pneumonia was 58.3%. Alteration of the radiation dose to the swallowing organs, including the pharyngeal constrictor, glottic and supraglottic larynx, and proximal esophagus, was not sufficient to prevent aspiration pneumonia, but there was a slight correlative trend between the dose and aspiration. Conclusions: The presence of synchronous H&N and esophageal cancers is associated with poor patient outcome. The most important prognostic factor was the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia. Avoidance of aspiration after definitive CCRT may improve the treatment outcome of synchronous H&N and esophageal cancer. Author Disclosure: C.J. Hsu: None. W. Chun-Wei: None.