Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Research Articles

Impact of time from diagnosis to endoscopic submucosal dissection on curability in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

To investigate the time delay effect from initial diagnosis to endoscopic submucosal dissection on superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma curability, considering the preoperative invasion depth. This study included superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed as T1a-epithelial/lamina propria mucosa cancer (cEP/LPM; cancer invading up to the lamina propria mucosa) or cT1a-muscularis mucosa (MM)/T1b-submucosal cancer (cMM/SM1; cancer invading up to 200 µm into the submucosa) and treated using endoscopic submucosal dissection from January 2017 to December 2021. We compared curability in lesions treated within three months (early treatment group) versus those treated ≥7 months post-diagnosis (delayed treatment group). Curative resection criteria included lesions confined within the muscularis mucosae, with negative vertical margins, and with absence of lymphovascular invasion. Non-curative resection included all other cases. Among the 231 and 75 lesions in the early and delayed treatment groups, respectively, no significant difference was observed in non-curative resections for all lesions and cEP/LPM lesions (early: 194, delayed: 70). Conversely, the proportions were significantly higher in the delayed treatment group than in the early treatment group for cMM/SM1 lesions (early: 37, delayed: 5; p = 0.018). This study suggests that delayed endoscopic submucosal dissection does not significantly affect cEP/LPM lesions curability but is associated with reduced cMM/SM1 lesions curability. Prompt treatment is important for cMM/SM1, whereas delayed treatment may be acceptable for cEP/LPM.

Endoscopic Background Mucosal Resurfacing to Prevent Metachronous Recurrence of Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cancer After Curative Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Randomized Pilot Study With 5-Year Follow-Up (with video)

Background and AimsMetachronous recurrence frequently develops in patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) after curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), especially in those with multiple (>10) small Lugol-voiding lesions (LVLs) over the esophageal background mucosa (i.e. speckled pattern). We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate whether endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for esophageal background mucosal resurfacing (EBMR) can decrease the rate of metachronous neoplasia. MethodsPatients who received curative ESD and whose Lugol staining showed a speckled pattern over the background mucosa were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either receive RFA (EBMR group) or endoscopic surveillance alone (control group). EBMR with RFA was performed with a balloon device for circumferential ablation of the total esophageal mucosa 2–3 months after ESD. The primary outcome was the metachronous recurrence of squamous neoplasia during a 5-year follow-up period. The secondary outcomes were major adverse events. ResultsOf 112 patients screened, 30 were randomized to receive EBMR (n = 15) or surveillance (n = 15). The mean procedure time of EBMR was 30.7 min (range: 25–40 min). One patient developed post-RFA stenosis, which resolved after 3 sessions of endoscopic dilation. EBMR reduced the risk of metachronous recurrence (0% in the EBMR group vs. 53% in the control group, p = 0.001), with the number needed to treat being 1.9. Reversal of the Lugol staining speckled pattern to only a few LVLs occurred in all patients and persisted for at least 5 years in the ablation group. ConclusionIn this randomized trial of patients with multiple small LVLs over the esophageal background after curative ESD, EBMR with balloon-type RFA is a promising and safe procedure for preventing metachronous recurrence over 5 years of follow-up. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03183115.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic resection of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in late-elderly patients.

As the population ages, the number of elderly patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is increasing. We aimed to clarify the indications for endoscopic resection (ER) in late-elderly patients with ESCC in terms of life expectancy. Patients aged ≥75years who underwent ER for ESCC at our institution from January 2005 to December 2018 were enrolled. Clinical data, including the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS), Charlson comorbidity index, and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), were collected at the time of ER. The main outcome measure was overall survival (OS). Two hundred eight consecutive patients were enrolled. The patients' median age was 78years (range, 75-89years). The 5-year follow-up rate was 88.5% (median follow-up period, 6.6years). The 5-year OS rate was 79.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.2-84.8), and 5-year net survival standardized for age, sex, and calendar year was 1.04 (95% CI, 0.98-1.09). In the multivariate analysis, an ASA-PS of 3 (hazard ratio, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.16-5.17) and PNI of <44.0 (hazard ratio, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.38-5.40) were independent prognostic factors. When neither of these factors was met, the 5-year OS rate was 87.8% (95% CI, 80.0-92.9), and 5-year net survival was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02-1.14). ER for ESCC in late-elderly patients may improve life expectancy. ER is recommended in patients with a good ASA-PS and PNI.

Endoscopic Evaluation and Management of Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the seventh most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, demanding precise diagnostic and individualized therapeutic interventions. This case study describes the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal SCC in a 54-year-old man initially detected during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The lesion was identified using narrow-band imaging and magnifying endoscopy; after imaging studies, it was treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). ESD is known for its minimal invasiveness and the definitive histopathological evaluation it facilitates.The management strategy described in this paper reiterates the criticality of extensive pretreatment evaluations, the indication of the application of ESD, and the importance of a multidisciplinary team. It underscores the significance of careful posttreatment monitoring and the informed selection of adjuvant therapies, particularly in areas like India, where such advanced endoscopic techniques are still on the rise.

Prophylactic endoscopic vacuum therapy for stricture prevention following wide-field endoscopic submucosal dissection of superficial esophageal cancer

Background and aimsEsophageal stricture (ES) is a severe adverse event following wide-field endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of superficial esophageal carcinoma. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of combining endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) and budesonide orodispersible tablet (BOT) in preventing post-ESD strictures. MethodsThis prospective case series included patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma who had wide-field ESD (≥75% circumference, resection length ≥50 mm). After ESD, EVT was applied immediately, followed by 8 weeks of BOT. The main outcome measurement was the incidence of post-ESD stricture. ResultsEleven patients underwent ESD. Of these, 81.8% had 75-99% circumference resected, and 18.2% had a circumferential resection. EVT remained in situ for a mean of 3.5 days. No esophageal strictures were observed by the final follow-up. There were no major adverse events related to EVT or BOT. ConclusionsThe prophylactic combination of EVT and BOT is a novel and promising strategy for reducing post-ESD strictures.

318. EFFICACY OF PROPHYLACTIC STEROID THERAPY OF INJECTION AND ADMINISTRATION AGAINST STRICTURE FOR SUBENTIRE CIRCUMFERENTIAL DEFECT AFTER ESOPHAGEAL ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION

Abstract Background Esophageal stricture is a major problem after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for large superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SESCC). Local triamcinolone injection (LTI) has been reported as the standard prophylactic treatment against stricture, however, it showed that its efficacy was insufficient for subentire circumferential mucosal defect after ESD in the subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trial (JCOG1217). On the other hand, the usefulness of oral prednisolone administration (OPA) has also been reported. Thus, we aimed to compare the efficacy of LTI with combination of LTI and OPA in patients with subentire circumferential mucosal defect after esophageal ESD. Methods This retrospective study enrolled the patients with mucosal defect after ESD larger than 7/8th circumference and not spreading entire who treated with LTI or combination of LTI and OPA between July 2010 to January 2020. Triamcinolone acetonide (50-100 mg) was injected into ulcer bed immediately after ESD, and oral prednisolone (30 mg daily, tapered gradually for 8 weeks) was administrated. We defined as an esophageal stricture in case the endoscope could not pass through the stricture, and then endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) was required. We evaluated stricture-free survival (SFS), and the number and duration of EBD. Results A total of 42 patients in the LTI group and 26 in the combination group were enrolled. The median longitudinal extension of the lesions was 4.5 cm (range; 2-7) in the LTI group and 4 cm (2-7) in the combination group. Finally, 18 patients (42.9%) in the LTI group and 7 (26.9%) in the combination group developed esophageal stricture, and 12-week SFS was 64.3% and 76.9%. The median number and duration of required ESD were 6 (2-10) in the LTI group and 4 (2-9) in the combination group, and 88 days (15-288) and 66 days (22-176). Conclusion The steroid combination therapy of local triamcinolone injection and oral prednisolone administration showed the effective outcomes comparing with local triamcinolone injection alone for subentire circumferential mucosal defect after esophageal ESD. Thus, this combination therapy can be the most promising treatment and should be compared in the randomized controlled trail with large sample size.

Accuracy and influencing factors of Type B2 vessels in predicting the invasion depth of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma under narrow-band imaging magnifying endoscopy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of Type B2 based on narrow-band imaging-magnifying endoscopy (NBI-ME) in judging invasion depth of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC) and analyze potential influencing factors.MethodData from 113 patients where Type B2 was observed by magnifying endoscopy and confirmed by postoperative pathology as SESCC at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University and Fujian Provincial Hospital from January 2015 to April 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into correct prediction and incorrect prediction groups according to the postoperative pathological results, and the prediction accuracy was calculated. The incorrect prediction group was further divided into overestimation and underestimation groups to identify the influential factors for overprediction and underprediction, respectively. The independent influential factors for the prediction were assessed using multivariate Cox logistic regression analysis.ResultsB2-narrow (Type B2 area ≤ 5 mm) (p < 0.001) and Type B2 around erosion (p = 0.040) were independent risk factors of overpredicting the invasion depth of SESCC based on Type B2. The presence of significant endoscopic features was an independent protective factor for overpredicting the invasion depth of SESCC (p = 0.014), whereas the presence of significant features under endoscopy was an independent risk factor for the underprediction (p = 0.005).ConclusionB2-narrow (Type B2 area ≤ 5 mm), Type B2 vessels around erosion, and non- significant endoscopic features are closely related to overpredicting the invasion depth of SESCC based on Type B2, and the presence of significant endoscopic features is closely associated with underprediction.

Correlation between tumor budding and the long-term follow-up outcomes after endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

The effect of tumor budding (TB) on the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains unclear. We evaluated the long-term outcomes of patients with superficial ESCC after ESD and the risk factors of TB for the long-term prognosis. We conducted a retrospective study in a Chinese hospital. All patients with ESCC treated by ESD and reported TB were included consecutively. Comparative analyses were conducted in three parts: specimen analysis, follow-up analyses of unmatched patients, and propensity score-matched (PSM) patients. Cox proportional hazard regression models were constructed to identify risk factors for overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS). A total of 437 patients were enrolled [154TB and 283 no tumor budding (NTB)], and 258 patients (52TB and 206 NTB) were included in the follow-up analysis. Results showed that the invasion depth, differentiation type, and positive vascular invasion (all p < 0.001) of the TB group were significantly different from the NTB group. The all-cause mortality and the median RFS time between the two groups were comparable. RFS rate at 5years were 84.6% and 80.6%, respectively (p = 0.43). Cox analyses identified that having other cancers but not TB, as a risk factor independently associated with overall survival and RFS after ESD. TB tends to be associated with invasion depth, differentiation type, and positive vascular invasion. However, it might not affect the long-term outcomes of patients with superficial ESCC after ESD when other high-risk factors are negative.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography parameters are associated with histological outcomes in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a standard treatment for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, submucosal or lymphovascular invasion increases the risk of lymph node metastasis. Although 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) parameters are associated with prognosis in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the utility of FDG PET/CT in diagnosing superficial esophageal carcinoma remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between FDG PET/CT parameters and histopathological findings in superficial esophageal carcinoma. Fifty-three patients with superficial esophageal cancer who underwent FDG PET/CT scans before undergoing interventions were retrospectively analyzed. The maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis were significantly higher in the cases with submucosal invasion (T1b) compared with those confined to the muscularis mucosa (T1a). In contrast, classification of intrapapillary capillary loops patterns with magnifying endoscopy did not yield statistical differences between T1a and T1b. Multivariable analysis revealed that SUVmax was the only independent predictor of submucosal and lymphovascular invasion. This study demonstrated that SUVmax may be useful in predicting submucosal and lymphovascular invasion. Thus, the value of SUVmax may guide clinical decision-making in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Additional chemoradiotherapy for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after near-circumferential or full-circumferential noncurative endoscopic submucosal dissection: a retrospective study

BackgroundEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a potentially efficient therapeutic intervention for superficial esophageal cancer. Additional treatment such as chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or esophagectomy is recommended in cases of muscularis mucosa invasion with positive resection margins or lymphovascular invasion or submucosal layer invasion, which are considered noncurative ESD, due to an increased risk of lymph node metastasis. However, the adequacy of additional CRT after near-circumferential or full-circumferential noncurative ESD has not been fully discussed. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of additional CRT for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after near-circumferential or full-circumferential noncurative ESD, which was defined as a mucosal defect measuring ≥ 3/4 of the esophageal circumference.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 24 patients who received additional CRT for superficial esophageal SCC after near-circumferential or full-circumferential noncurative ESD between 2012 and 2018. Elective nodal irradiation (ENI) was performed in all patients and boost irradiation (BI) was performed after ENI in 4 patients with positive resection margins. The prescription doses of ENI and BI were 41.4 Gy in 23 fractions and 9 Gy in 5 fractions, respectively. Concurrent chemotherapy (a combination of cisplatin or nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil) was administered to all patients.ResultsThe 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 92% and 78%, respectively, while the 3-year and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 83% and 70%, respectively. Grade 2 esophageal stenosis occurred in 8 (33%) patients. There was no case of Grade 3 or worse esophageal stenosis. Among them, 4 (17%) patients developed stenosis before additional CRT, which persisted after the completion of additional CRT. The remaining 4 (17%) patients developed de novo stenosis within 5 months following the completion of additional CRT. One patient (4%) still requires regular bougie dilation. Grade 3 and Grade 4 acute toxicity, including anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and esophagitis occurred in 1 (4%) and 0 (0%), 6 (25%) and 1 (4%), 1 (4%) and 0 (0%), and 1 (4%) and 0 (0%) patients, respectively. One (4%) patient who underwent salvage CRT for the out-of-field lymph node recurrence died with acute myeloid leukemia.ConclusionsAdditional CRT is a viable treatment option even in patients who have undergone near-circumferential or full-circumferential noncurative ESD. Esophageal stenosis after additional CRT following near-circumferential or full-circumferential noncurative ESD is manageable and acceptable.

Optimizing Therapeutic Approaches in Superficial Esophageal Cancer: Reduced-volume Radiotherapy and Dose-dense Chemotherapy After Endoscopic Resection.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) followed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has become a promising treatment modality in the management of early-stage superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). However, radiotherapy often leads to significant adverse events (AEs), including cardiopulmonary toxicity, limiting the delivery of this treatment modality. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of reduced-volume radiotherapy and dose-dense chemotherapy in mitigating AEs for high-risk SESCC following ESD. We retrospectively analyzed patients treated with customized CRT after ESD between 2014 and 2023. Thirty-nine consecutive patients were identified. The median follow-up period was 63.4 months (range=8.3-99.8 months). All patients completed CRT, with a low incidence (3%) of grade ≥3 nonhematologic AEs. Thirteen patients (33%) had a recurrence: 10 local, one regional, and two distant. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 77% and 64%, respectively. A positive vertical resection margin was identified as a prognostic factor associated with survival. Our novel approach of combining ESD with customized reduced-volume radiotherapy and dose-dense chemotherapy shows promise in providing favorable oncologic outcomes and a safer nonsurgical strategy for high-risk SESCC. Specifically, this regimen minimized cardiopulmonary toxicity without compromising therapeutic efficacy. More aggressive adjuvant therapy may be required for patients with positive vertical resection margins after ESD.

Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus esophagectomy for poorly differentiated superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A 10-year cohort study

BackgroundsThe efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to treat poorly differentiated superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC) is unclear. AimsTo exploring the efficacy and prognosis of ESD treatment poorly differentiated SESCC compared with esophagectomy. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted, the data of poorly differentiated SESCC patients who received ESD or esophagectomy from Jan 2011 to Jan 2021 were analyzed. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and procedure-related variables were compared between ESD and esophagectomy group. Results95 patients underwent ESD, while 86 underwent esophagectomy. No significant differences were found between the two groups in OS (P = 0.587), DSS (P = 0.172), and RFS (P = 0.111). Oncologic outcomes were also similar between the two groups in propensity score–matched analysis. For T1a ESCC, the rates of R0 resection, LVI or nodal metastasis and additional therapy were similar between ESD and esophagectomy groups. But for T1b ESCC, the rates of positive resection margin and additional therapy were significantly higher in ESD group than those in esophagectomy group. ConclusionsESD is a minimally invasive procedure that has comparable oncologic outcomes with esophagectomy for treatment poorly differentiated T1a ESCC. However, ESD is not suitable for poorly differentiated T1b ESCC, additional surgery or radiochemotherapy should be required.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection versus surgery for T1b esophageal carcinoma: a single-center retrospective study

IntroductionEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a preferred treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). However, only few studies compared long-term survival outcomes of ESD with surgery, especially for T1b SESCC. This study compared the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and complication rates of both, to evaluate the value of ESD in patients with T1b SESCC.MethodsWe reviewed patients who underwent ESD (n = 47) or surgery (n = 73) for T1b SESCC at Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from 2009 to 2021. To increase the precision of our results interpretation, subgroups were analyzed according to the depth of tumor invasion and elderly people.ResultsIn the ESD and surgery groups, the overall mortality rates were 0/100 and 12.3/100 person years, incidence rates of recurrence were 2.13/100 and 11/100 person years, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed no significant different in OS, DSS and RFS. Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and depth of submucosal invasion were identified as risk factors for cancer recurrence in multivariate analysis. For elderly people, no significant differences were found in OS, DSS and RFS between different treatments.ConclusionESD are related to lower complication rates and shorter hospital stay than surgery in long-term outcomes for patients with pT1b SESCC. But in pT1b-SM2 patients, we still need long-term follow-up.

High incidence of lung cancer death after curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Following treatment of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), surveillance for a second primary malignancy (SPM) is necessary. However, detailed evidence regarding the timing and prognosis of SPMs is insufficient. We aimed to clarify the details of SPMs and their effects on patient outcomes. This retrospective, multicenter study involved 11 hospitals. Patients with superficial ESCC curatively resected using endoscopic submucosal dissection between May 2005 and December 2012, were included in this study. The 5-year survival rate of 187 patients was 92.6% during a median follow-up duration of 96.8 months. Thirty-one patients died, 14 of whom died of SPMs. Compared to patients with SPMs detectable by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), patients with SPMs detectable only by modalities other than EGD had a significantly higher mortality rate (p < 0.001). Patients with second primary lung cancer (LC) had a high mortality rate (56.3%). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that multiple Lugol-voiding lesions (LVLs) tended to be associated with SPMs (p = 0.077, hazard ratio [HR] 4.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91-6.50), and metachronous ESCC was an independent risk factor for the incidence of second primary LC (p = 0.037, HR 3.51, 95% CI: 1.08-11.41). SPMs that cannot be detected by EGD, such as LC, must be considered after the curative resection of ESCC. We suggest strict screening by both EGD and computed tomography for patients with multiple LVLs or metachronous ESCC to detect SPMs in their early stages.

Involved-field radiotherapy in older patients with superficial thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: long-term outcomes and recurrence patterns

PurposeAn optimal radiotherapy field for superficial esophageal carcinoma is yet to be established. We evaluated the long-term outcomes and recurrence patterns of involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) in older patients with superficial thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).Materials and methodsFifty-four patients (49 men and 5 women; mean age, 77 [range: 66–90] years) who underwent IFRT for superficial thoracic ESCC between January 2003 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered at the discretion of the attending physician. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival and complete response rate.ResultsThe tumors were localized in the upper, middle, and lower thoracic esophagus in 2, 40, and 12 patients, respectively. All patients underwent IFRT using anteroposterior and anterior–posterior oblique opposed beams (off-cord). The prescribed total doses were 50.4, 59.4–61.2, and 66–70 Gy for 6, 40, and 8 patients, respectively. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered to 33 patients. The median follow-up duration was 57 months. The median overall survival was 115 months. The 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 71.7% and 60.1%, respectively. Forty-nine patients had a complete response at one month after IFRT (complete response rate: 90.7%). Twenty patients had recurrence; there were 13 in-field and 7 out-of-field recurrence cases. The radiation-related adverse events were generally mild. Grade 3 late toxicity was observed in one patient.ConclusionsThe efficacy of IFRT was suggested to be comparable to that of standard treatments. Therefore, IFRT can be a promising approach for treating superficial ESCC in older adults, especially those with severe comorbidities.

Outcomes of repeated endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma on endoscopic resection scar.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be performed for superficial esophageal cancer. However, performing ESD for superficial esophageal cancer on a previous endoscopic resection scar may be difficult. We compared the outcomes between ESD for superficial esophageal cancers on previous endoscopic resection scar (group A) and that for naïve lesions (group B). The study included outcomes of ESD, cumulative incidence of local failure, and predictors of the occurrence of local failure in ESD patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The outcome variables evaluated were en bloc resection rates, procedure times, adverse events, and overall survival rates. Overall, 220 lesions were extracted (groups A and B: 23 and 197 lesions, respectively). In groups A and B, the complete resection rates were 60.9 and 92.9% (P < 0.001), and the mean procedure times were 79 and 68min (P = 0.15), respectively. The perforation rates in groups A and B were 4.3 and 1% (P = 0.28). The 1-year cumulative local failure rates were 22 and 1% (P < 0.001), respectively. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, superficial esophageal SCC on a previous endoscopic resection scar was a strong predictor of local failure (hazard ratio = 21.95 [3.99-120.80], P < 0.001). The 3-year overall survival rates in groups A and B were 95 and 93% (P = 0.99), respectively. Repeated ESD on scar is an option for treating superficial esophageal SCC with an acceptable rate of adverse events. Because of the low complete resection rate and high local failure compared with conventional ESD, strict endoscopic follow-up is required after repeated esophageal ESD.

Nomograms and prognosis for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

In recent years, endoscopic resection, particularly endoscopic submucosal dissection, has become increasingly popular in treating non-metastatic superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this evolving paradigm, it is crucial to identify factors that predict higher rates of lymphatic invasion and poorer outcomes. Larger tumor size, deeper invasion, poorer differentiation, more infiltrative growth patterns (INF-c), higher-grade tumor budding, positive lymphovascular invasion, and certain biomarkers have been associated with lymph node metastasis and increased morbidity through retrospective reviews, leading to the construction of comprehensive nomograms for outcome prediction. If validated by future prospective studies, these nomograms would prove highly applicable in guiding the selection of treatment for superficial ESCC.

Underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection performed under general anesthesia for the safe resection of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with ductal involvement.

Underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection performed under general anesthesia for the safe resection of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with ductal involvement.

Strategies for the Endoscopic Management and Post-Resection Treatment of Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Endoscopic resection (ER) is preferred for treating superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC) that has a low risk of lymph node metastasis; the preference is due to the technique’s minimal invasiveness and having outcomes comparable to those of surgical resection, in suitable cases. Determining the appropriateness of ER requires a multidisciplinary review involving a pathological examination of the tumor’s depth, size, and lymphovascular invasion following resection of a specimen. According to the Korean guidelines, no additional treatment is necessary after a complete en bloc resection of SESCC that lacks submucosal invasion and lymphovascular invasion. In cases of non-curative resection for tumors that exhibit submucosal invasion, lymphovascular invasion, or positive margins, additional treatment (e.g., esophagectomy or chemoradiotherapy) is recommended. Due to the uncertainty regarding which treatment is more effective, tailored therapy that is based on patient factors and tumor characteristics is needed to maximize patient long-term survival and improve quality of life.

Prospective multicenter trial of the cryoballoon ablation system for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma on post–endoscopic resection scars: a CRYO-SCAR study (EPOC1902)

Background and AimsEndoscopic resection (ER) is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). Post-ER scars complicate en bloc resection, even with advanced techniques, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection. The cryoballoon ablation system (CBAS) effectively manages Barrett’s esophagus but has limited evidence in SESCC treatment, particularly on post-ER scars. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the CBAS for treating SESCC on post-ER scars. MethodsThis prospective study was conducted at two tertiary referral centers in Japan in patients endoscopically diagnosed with T1a SESCC on the post-ER scar. Focal CBAS was used for cryoablation, with specific criteria for lesion selection and treatment method. The primary endpoint was local complete response (L-CR) rate of the primary lesion 48 weeks after the first cryoablation as evaluated by an independent central evaluation committee. ResultsFrom October 2020 to October 2021, 15 patients with 17 lesions underwent cryoablation, with two requiring repeat cryoablation. The L-CR rate for primary and all lesions evaluated by the central evaluation committee was 100%. The endoscopist’s evaluation was consistent with these results. The median procedure time was 9 min. Eight patients experienced no pain, and the highest pain score reported on a numeric 1-10 rating scale was 3. The technical success rate was 94.7% (18/19). Throughout the median follow-up period of 14.3 months, recurrences, deaths, or severe treatment-related adverse events were not reported. ConclusionsCBAS is a potentially safe and effective approach for SESCC on post-ER scars and represents an encouraging alternative to traditional endoscopic treatments.