Thoracic Esophageal Carcinoma Research Articles

Total Gastrectomy in Gastric Conduit Cancer

We report a very rare case of surgery on gastric conduit cancer. A 67-year-old male patient underwent esophagectomy and intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus 27 months ago. Upon follow-up, a gastric carcinoma at the intra-abdominal part of the gastric conduit was found on an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. We performed total gastrectomy and esophagocolonojejunostomy in the manner of Roux-en-Y anastomosis. The postoperative course was not eventful and an esophagogram on the 10th postoperative day showed no leakage or stenosis of the passage. The patient was discharged on the 17th day with no complications.

Analysis of learning process of video-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal carcinoma

To evaluate the learning process of video-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). One hundred consecutive patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma were treated by a same team of surgeons, and were divided into 3 groups in chronological order. The former two groups both consisted of 25 patients with thoracoscopy plus laparotomy. The remaining 50 patients were enrolled in the third group with thoracoscopy plus laparoscopy. Clinicopathological data including operative time, blood loss, protection of normal structures, complications, length of ICU stay, postoperative stay, and lymph nodes harvest, were collected and compared between groups. Procedures were accomplished successfully in 96 patients. Only 4 cases were converted to open thoracotomy and none to laparotomy. The median operative time was 310 min and blood loss was 200 ml. The median number of lymph node harvest was 22. The overall complication rate was 50%. Comparison of first two groups revealed that significant differences existed in the preservation rate of arch of azygos vein (P=0.010), bronchial vessels (P=0.038), and exposure rate of thoracic part of left recurrent laryngeal nerve( P=0.048). Comparison of the former and latter 50 patients revealed that significant differences existed in thoracic operative time (P<0.001), blood loss (P=0.025), preservation rate of arch of azygos vein (P=0.001) and bronchial vessels (P<0.001), the number of lymph node harvest in thoracoscopy (P=0.022) and in left recurrent laryngeal nerve chain (P<0.001), and exposure rate of initiate part of left recurrent laryngeal nerve (P=0.002). The learning curve of MIE is long and beginners should proceed step by step.

巨大な胃壁内転移と4群リンパ節転移を伴った表層拡大型食道表在癌の1例

症例は51歳の女性で，上腹部違和感を主訴に近医受診された．内視鏡検査で，胸部食道に長径12 cmの不染帯を指摘され，生検で扁平上皮癌と診断後当院へ紹介となった．精査の結果，胃壁浸潤を伴う右噴門リンパ節（No. 1）転移および総肝動脈幹前上部リンパ節（No. 8a）転移を有する表層拡大型食道癌と診断され，3領域郭清を伴う右開胸開腹食道亜全摘術を施行した．術前に右噴門リンパ節への転移と診断した病変は長径53 mmの巨大胃壁内転移であった．最終病理組織学的検査所見は深達度T1a-MMの低分化型扁平上皮癌で，遠隔リンパ節転移を伴う計10個のリンパ節転移を認めた．また，原発巣にリンパ管新生因子VEGF-Cの高発現が確認され，本症例の高いリンパ行性転移能を裏づける結果であった．術後補助化学療法施行したが，術後9か月目に腹部リンパ節再発を認め，術後29か月で死亡された．食道粘膜癌からの胃壁内転移は本邦報告4例目であった．

長期生存が得られた未分化型食道癌副腎転移の１例

長期生存が得られた未分化型食道癌副腎転移の１例

Lymphadenectomy via a cervical approach for upper mediastinal lymph node recurrence of esophageal cancer: Report of a case

Although there have been several reports about salvage esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the effectiveness of lymphadenectomy for lymph node recurrence after CRT has not been fully evaluated. Radiation-induced tissue injury and fibrosis make lymphadenectomy after CRT difficult, therefore the choice of surgical approach should be considered carefully. We performed lymphadenectomy via a cervical approach in a 76-year-old man with upper mediastinal lymph node recurrence. He had previously undergone subtotal esophagectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the upper thoracic esophagus. At 33 months after the operation, left upper mediastinal lymph node recurrence occurred. After localized CRT with docetaxel plus 60 Gy radiation, the tumor disappeared. However, at 1 year after CRT a lymph node recurrence, measuring 10 mm in size, was found in the same position on a computed tomography (CT) scan and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) without other recurrences. Lymphadenectomy was performed via a left cervical approach using a Kent retractor to extend the surgical view of the cervicothoracic region. The patient was discharged without complications, and a postoperative CT scan and FDG-PET revealed complete resection of the tumor. In conclusion, our surgical procedure provides a good surgical view, and decreases surgical stress and the incidence of postoperative complications.

A pilot study of the technical and oncologic feasibility of thoracoscopic esophagectomy with extended lymph node dissection in the prone position for clinical stage I thoracic esophageal carcinoma

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position (TSEP) without thoracotomy is more invasive than right transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE). However, TTE and TSEP have not been compared in terms of technical and oncological feasibility for thoracic esophageal carcinomas of the same stage. Fifty-nine patients with clinical stage I esophageal cancer underwent esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection from 2000 through 2010, 30 patients underwent right TTE through 2008, and 29 patients underwent TSEP from 2008 through 2010. TSEP was performed with four ports from 2008 through 2009 (13 patients) and with five ports--four conventional ports and a 5 mm camera port for the upper mediastinum--from 2009 (16 patients). We retrospectively evaluated the technical and oncologic feasibility of TSEP with extended lymph node dissection for clinical stage I thoracic esophageal carcinoma by comparing surgical outcomes between TTE and TSEP and examined the historical improvements and current status of TSEP, including port placement. All 29 patients who underwent TSEP with three-field lymph node dissection achieved complete resection, and in the 13 patients followed up for more than 1 year, there were no surgery-related postoperative deaths and no recurrence. No significant difference was found between TTE and TSEP in the mean number of dissected mediastinal lymph nodes, amount of blood loss, incidence of postoperative complications, mean postoperative hospital stay, or rate of complete resection or locoregional control, but the mean duration of thoracic procedure was significantly longer for TSEP than for TTE. For TSEP, the incidence of complications was lower and the postoperative hospital stay was shorter with five ports than with four ports. TSEP with extended lymphadenectomy is a feasible and appropriate surgical technique for clinical stage I thoracic esophageal carcinoma. We believe that its oncological feasibility for advanced esophageal carcinoma also will be demonstrated.

Characteristics and risk factors of lymph node metastases in esophageal carcinoma

To investigate the status of lymph node metastases (LNM) of esophageal carcinoma and to identify the risk factors. Clinical data of 308 patients who underwent esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy during January 2006 and December 2010 were reviewed. Characteristics of LNM were studied. The average number of dissected lymph nodes was 35.6 ± 14.5 in 308 patients. There were 197 patients(64%) had LNM. Logistic regression analysis showed that lymphatic vessel invasion(P=0.019) and deep tumor invasion(P<0.001) were risk factors of LNM. The highest LNM site was paratracheal node(25.0%). The incidence of cervical LNM was 14.1% in the middle thoracic carcinoma, higher than that of upper thoracic (7.3%) and lower thoracic (8.3%). Rate of LNM was lower in upper thoracic carcinomas than that in middle or lower ones(P=0.001). No significant difference of LNM was found among upper, middle and lower thoracic carcinoma for cervical or thoracic nodes. Lymphatic vessel invasion(P<0.001) and metastases in paratracheal lymph nodes (P=0.014) were risk factors for cervical LNM. LNM of esophageal carcinoma can be found in both directions vertically and skipped metastasis. Paratracheal lymph nodes involvement is an indicator for cervical lymphadenectomy in thoracic esophageal carcinoma.

Community‐acquired Pneumonia during Long‐term Follow‐up of Patients after Radical Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: Analysis of Incidence and Associated Risk Factors

There are no data concerning the occurrence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in esophageal cancer patients during long-term follow-up after radical esophagectomy. The aims of the present study were to determine the incidence of CAP in esophageal cancer patients who underwent radical esophagectomy and to identify the risk factors. A total of 186 consecutive patients who underwent radical esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal carcinoma in our hospital between 1991 and 2000 were enrolled in this study. Data on the occurrence of CAP were retrospectively collected from medical records, follow-up files, and telephone interviews with patients. The cumulative incidence of CAP was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the risk factors for CAP were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. The median follow-up time was 77months (range 12-216months). Sixty patients suffered from CAP during the follow-up period. The cumulative incidence was 25.8% at 5years and 38.4% at 10years. Multivariate analysis revealed the following as the significant risk factors for CAP: presence of lymph node metastasis (Hazard ratio [HR], 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-4.50; P<0.001), colonic interposition (HR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.41-5.82; P=0.004), obstructive lung disease (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.11-3.42; P=0.021), and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (HR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.20-3.60; P=0.009). There is a high incidence of CAP in esophageal cancer patients after esophagectomy. Positive nodal metastasis, colonic interposition, obstructive lung disease, and preoperative hypoalbuminemia are risk factors for this long-term postoperative morbidity.

Observation of Short-term Efficacy of Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy for Middle Thoracic Esophageal Carcinoma

Observation of Short-term Efficacy of Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy for Middle Thoracic Esophageal Carcinoma

Long-term survival after resection of paraaortic lymph node metastasis that developed 6 years after the esophagectomy

A 62-year-old man underwent subtotal esophagectomy with an extended three-field lymph node dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus (histological stage pT3N1M0, pStage III). Computed tomography showed a swollen paraaortic lymph node about 6 years later. Positron emission tomography also indicated lymph node metastasis. The patient was treated with surgery, and the lymph node was diagnosed to be metastasis of esophageal cancer. Surgery was followed by chemotherapy with nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil. The patient has remained alive more than 5 years after surgery without any evidence of recurrence. Although the optimal treatment for the recurrence region of esophageal cancer remains controversial, the current case suggests the possibility of performing a salvage resection for a lymph node recurrence of esophageal cancer in selected patients.

Clinical investigation on application of water swallowing to MR esophagography

ObjectiveTo verify the clinical outcomes of applying water swallowing to MR esophagography. MethodsThirty patients confirmed postoperatively or histopathologically with thoracic esophageal carcinoma by endoscopic biopsy and 10 healthy volunteers with normal esophagus underwent respectively conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detection and water swallowing MR esophagography. Of those patients, 4 underwent second examination after radiotherapy. Assessment on imaging effects of MR esophagography was performed. Assessment on definition on MR esophagography of the tumor in both upper and lower ends, specific localization, tumor size finally measured, coincidence with the gross pathologic types and tumor staging were respectively performed by comparison with conventional MRI. Additionally, we evaluated the outcomes of radiotherapy by comparing the previous MR esophagography with the second one with interventional technique. ResultsOf the total 44 images of MR esophagography, 97.7% (43/44) were in high resolution by sagittal view and 81.8% (36/44) by cross-section. 93.3% (56/60) of the MR esophagography were clearly defined with the neoplastic lesion ends in the 30 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma, compared with 11.7% (7/60) by conventional MRI. The results were totally different in statistics (P<0.005). Preoperative conventional MRI detection of the 22 cases in 25 undergone radical resection suggested vague diameter of the primary tumor and impossibly identified it at middle-lower thoracic esophagus in 5, and even failed to confirm gross pathologic types in 19 cases. Yet, MR esophagography with water swallowing represented accurate tumor length (graded as excellent) in 88% (22/25), localization in 100% (25/25), exact gross pathologic types in 88% (22/25), and accuracy for tumor staging in 80.8% (21/26) compared to 92.3% (24/26) by conventional MRI. Therapeutic effects achieved in 4 patients with radiotherapy. ConclusionsMR esophagography with water swallowing makes optimal esophagram and is of great value in the preoperative diagnosis of thoracic esophageal cancer and assessment of the radiotherapy effects for patients with such neoplasm, which may serve as an alternative for conventional MRI.

The analysis of thoracic esophageal tumor mobility during normal respiration with four-dimensional computed tomography

Objective To investigate the motion characteristics of primary thoracic esophageal carcinoma with four-dimensional computed tomography(4DCT).Methods Sixteen patients with primary thoracic esophageal carcinoma received respiratory gated 4DCT imaging,mapping the GTV1-GTV10 on every patient's each subsequent CT image of 10 images in the full-respiratory phase,and measuring the displacement of each centre of GTV.These displacements and directions were analyzed on different segments of esophagus.Results The mean total lung volume and GTV volume was 2993.5 cm3,35.00 cm3 and 3362.12 cm3,34.84 cm'respectively on end-expiration and end-inspiration phases(t=12.36,P=0.000and t=-0.61,P=0.546).The total mean peak to peak displacement of GTV were 0.65 mm,0.55 mm,and 2.03 nnn in x,y-and z-axis direction,respectively(F=41.14,P=0.000).The motion in x-axis,y-axis and z-axis were 0.50 mm,0.48mm,1.23 mm in the upper segment(F=5.45,P=0.017),0.68 mm,0.62 mm,1.97 mm in the middle segment(F=27.74,P=0.000),0.72 mm,0.38 mm,3.05 mm in the lower segment,respectively(F=15.61,P=0.000).Conclusions The displacement of tumor in z axis is more notable than x-,y-axis in thoracic esophageal carcinoma.The displacement of tumor x-,y-and z-axis is different in different segment of thoracic esophageal carcinoma. Key words: Tomography,X-ray computed,four-dimensional; Esophageal neoplasms; Neoplasms motion

A Prospective Evaluation of Staging and Target Volume Definition of Lymph Nodes by 18FDG PET/CT in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Thoracic Esophagus

To determine an optimal standardized uptake value (SUV) threshold for detecting lymph node (LN) metastases in esophageal cancer using (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computer tomography (18FDG PET/CT) and to define the resulting nodal target volume, using histopathology as a "gold standard." Sixteen patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radical esophagectomy and three-field LN dissection after 18FDG PET/CT and CT scans were enrolled into this study. Locations of LN groups were recorded according to a uniform LN map. Diagnostic performance of different SUV thresholds was assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis. The optimal cutoff SUV was determined by plotting the false-negative rate (FNR) and false-positive rate (FPR), the sum of both error rates (FNR+FPR), and accuracy against a hypothetical SUV threshold. For each patient, nodal gross tumor volumes (GTVNs) were generated with CT alone (GTVNCT), PET/CT (GTVNPET), and pathologic data (GTVNpath). GTVNCT or GTVNPET was compared with GTVNpath by means of a conformity index (CI), which is the intersection of the two GTVNs divided by the sum of them minus the intersection, e.g., CICT&path=GTVNCT&path/(GTVNCT+GTVNpath-GTVNCT&path). LN metastases occurred in 21 LN groups among the 144 specimens taken from the 16 patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9017±0.0410. The plot of error rates showed a minimum of FNR+FPR for an SUV of 2.36, at which the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 76.19%, 95.93%, and 93.06%, respectively, whereas those of CT were 33.33%, 94.31%, and 85.42% (p values: 0.0117, 0.7539, and 0.0266). Mean GTVNCT, GTVNPET, and GTVNpath were 1.52±2.38, 2.82±4.51, and 2.68±4.16 cm3, respectively. Mean CICT&path and CIPET&path were 0.31 and 0.65 (p value=0.0352). Diagnostic superiority of PET/CT at an SUV threshold of 2.36 over CT has potential value in nodal target volume definition, but whether this can contribute to better treatment outcomes needs prospective analyses of recurrences in a larger cohort of patients.

The N‐Classification for Esophageal Cancer Staging: Should it be Based on Number, Distance, or Extent of the Lymph Node Metastasis?

The recently published AJCC-TNM staging system for esophageal carcinoma made an obvious modification on N-classification based on the number of metastatic regional lymph nodes (LN). However, this classification might ignore the site at which these LNs occur, a factor that might be even more important in reflecting patients' prognosis. A retrospective study of 236 patients with carcinoma of thoracic esophagus who underwent esophagectomy between 1984 and 1989 with each at least six LNs removed was conducted, with a 10-year follow-up rate of 92.4%. The proposed scheme for N-classification according to the number (0, 1-2, 3-6, ≥7; N0-3), distance (0, 1, 2, 3 stations; S0-3), or extent (0, 1, and 2 fields; F0-2) of LN involvement was evaluated by univariate and multivariate survival analysis. The LN metastasis was identified in 112 patients, revealing a poorer 5-year survival in this patient group when compared to patients without node involvement. Cox regression analysis revealed that the number and distance of LN metastases and the number of metastasis fields were factors significantly influencing survival. When these factors were further analyzed by univariate log-rank test, no significant difference in survival existed between N2 and N3 patients, or among S1, S2, and S3 patients. When patients were grouped according to the extent of LN metastasis, significant differences in survival were observed overall and between each subgroup. Refining the current N-classification for esophageal cancer according to the extent of LN metastasis, rather than by number alone, might be a better means of staging that could subgroup patients more effectively and result in different rates of survival.

125I radioactive seeds implantation combined with postoperative chemotherapy in treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 125I radioactive seeds implantation combined with postoperative chemotherapy as a treatment option for thoracic advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC). Methods A prospective cohort study was carried out between 2000and 2005. According to preoperative CT staging criteria,298 patients in phase Ⅱ-Ⅲ of ESCC, who had were admitted to Oncology Center Surgery of Nanjing First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University and Thoracic Surgery of YanCheng Oncology Hospital, were randomly divided into three groups: intraoperative 125I seeds implantation combined with postoperative chemotherapy (group A, 98cases), postoperative chemoradiotherapy (group B, 100 cases) and surgery alone (group C, 100cases). All patients received radical resection of esophageal cancer. According to pTNM staging criteria after operation, 233 patients in phase Ⅱb-Ⅲ of ESCC were finally enrolled in the study (78 in group A, 75 in group B, and 80 in group C). With 0. 5 m Ci of single seed, total activity of 5-11 mCi and matched peripheral dose in 60-70 Gy, 10-22 125I seeds were implanted into the target of patients in group A under direct vision in accordance with treatment planning system. The validation and quality assessment of radioactive seeds were demonstrated according to CT scan or X-ray imaging. The postoperative complications were observed. The local recurrence of the cancer was demonstrated using CT scan. The survival rate of patients was followed up for 1-,3-,5- and 10 years. Results The satisfied quality assessment of 125I seeds was observed. There was no displacement or loss of seed. The local recurrence in group A, B and C was 11. 5%, 13. 3% and 38. 8%, respectively, with statistical significance (P ＜ 0. 05). There was no significant difference among three groups with respect to complications and 1-year survival (P＞0. 05). However, the overall survival rate 3-, 5- and 10-years was 64.8%,37. 7% and 25. 1% in group A respectively; 63.3%, 36.9% and 24.9% in group Brespectively; 43. 6i%, 25.0%, and 12.6% in group C, respectively (all P＜0. 05). The 3-,5- and 10-year progression free survival rates were 63.5 %, 37.4 % and 15.1% in group A respectively; 62.5 %,36.6% and 14. 4% in group B respectively; 42.5%, 25.6% and 6.2% in group C respectively (all P＜0. 05). Conclusions It is a safe, effective and simple method for intraoperative 125I seeds implantation combined with postoperative chemotherapy in treatment of advanced ESCC, which may reduce the local recurrence and improve survival rates in patients with ESCC. Key words: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; Radioactive seed; 125I or 125I; Brachytherapy; Esophagectomy

Induction chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagectomy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Purpose Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been performed for locally advanced thoracic esophageal carcinoma. To evaluate the outcome of induction CRT followed by esophagectomy, we compared it with that of definitive CRT.

Evaluation of the seventh TNM classification system in patients with esophageal cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy.

83 Background: The new 7th edition of the TNM classification system is based on pathologic data of esophageal cancer underwent surgery alone. No report is available on the prognostic evaluation of the new staging system in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of the 7th edition of the TNM staging system in esophageal cancer patients treated with CRT. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 301 consecutive patients who met the following inclusion criteria: (1) squamous cell carcinoma of thoracic esophagus; (2) total radiation dose ≥ 50 Gy; (3) concomitant chemotherapy consisting of 5-fluolouracil and platinum; (4) no previous thoracic radiotherapy or surgery. We compared the prognostic impact of the 6th and 7th editions of the TNM staging systems. Also, we compared the prognostic impact of stage group and prognostic group, which was newly defined in the 7th edition. Survival analysis was performed by using log-rank and Cox regression testing. Results: Patients with stage I/II/III/IV were 52/42/54/153 and 57/46/128/70 according to 6th and 7th edition, respectively. Eighty-four patients were shifted to a lower stage in 7th edition compared with 6th edition, and most of these were from stage IV to III (n = 74). There were significant differences among stages I to III (p &lt; 0.01, respectively) according to each edition. However, 7th edition poorly distinguishes between stages III and IV (p = 0.43). The survival curve of stage IV (lymph) almost completely overlapped with stage III (p = 0.69), although there were significant differences between stages IV (lymph) and IV (organ) (p = 0.04). Among the factors included in prognostic group in 7th edition, the histological grade and cancer site had no significant influence on patient survival, and T factor was only independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Our study suggested several pitfalls in 7th TNM classification as prognostic factor in patients who received CRT. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Analysis of the rule of lymph node metastasis and evaluation of the consistence of preoperative computed tomographic findings and postoperative pathologic diagnosis for thoracic esophageal carcinoma

Objective To analyze the rule of lymph node metastasis, compare the preoperative computed tomographic findings with pathological diagnosis in thoracic esophageal carcinoma and to evaluate the clinical value. Methods Six hundred and eighteen patients with esophageal carcinoma after radical resection were enrolled. All patients did not receive any preoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy, having complete information of postoperative pathological reports. CT scanning were applied to all patients in our hospital. The CT image were transmitted to the three-dimensional treatment planning system via the network at digital format and be reconstructed. In which system the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rates in diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of the preoperative CT image were observed, measured and recorded. x2 test or Fisdher's statistical methods was adopted for comparing the concord rate of preoperative CT scanning with postoperative pathological diagnosis. Results Lymph nodes metastasis were defected in 242 of the 618 treated patients(39.2%), The rate of lymph node metastasis present in lower neck, upper-mediastinum,middle-mediastinum, lower-mediastinum, and superior abdomen regions in upper-thoracic esophageal carcinoma were 3.2% ,20.8% ,6.4% ,2.4% and 8.0%, in middle-thoracic esophageal carcinoma 1.5%,7.8% ,22.0% ,3.5% and 22.8%, and in lower-thoracic esophageal carcinoma 0% ,2.0% ,21.4% ,6.1% and 32.7%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value,younden index and accuracy rates of diagnosis of lymph node metastasis with preoperative CT scan were 58.3%, 70.7%, 56.2%, 72.5%, 29.0% and 65.9%, respectively. The concordance rate of 0, 1, 2 and ≥ 3 lymph node metastasis by preoperative CT scanning with postoperative pathological diagnosis were 72.4%, 32.2% , 58.3% and 73.1%, respectively in whole group(x2 = 82. 61, P = 0.000). The concordance rate of no lymph node metastasis by CT scan comparing with that by postoperative pathological diagnosis was higher than that of the 1 lymph node metastasis in upper-thoracic esophageal carcinoma 3 lymph node metastasis were 71.1%, 30.1%, 55.6% and 77.8%, respectively(x2 =55.14,P =0.000.Conclusions Preoperative CT image can accurately predict the distribution patterns of the lymph node metastasis in esophageal carcinoma. The concordance rate was the highest in diagnosis of 0 and ≥3 lymph node metastasis, the lowest in diagnosis of one lymph node metastasis. These findings are valuable for definition of the target range of radiotherapy after radical resection of esophageal carcinoma. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms, lymph node metastasis; Tomography, X-ray computed; Pathology

Pedunculated gastric tube interposition in an esophageal cancer patient with prepyloric adenocarcinoma

Gastric carcinoma is one of the malignancies that are most frequently associated with esophageal carcinoma. We describe herein our device for advanced esophageal cancer associated with early gastric cancer in the antrum. A 57-year-old man presenting with dysphagia and upper abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. Preoperative examinations revealed locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the middle thoracic esophagus (T3N0M0 Stage IIA) and mucosal signet-ring cell carcinoma of the gastric antrum (T1N0M0 Stage IA). Although the gastric tumor appeared to be an intramucosal carcinoma, its margin was obscure, so endoscopic en-bloc resection was considered inadequate. We chose surgical resection of the gastric tumor as well as the esophageal SCC after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin for advanced esophageal cancer. Following transthoracic esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection, the gastric carcinoma was removed by gastric antrectomy, which preserved the right gastroepiploic vessels, and a pedunculated short gastric tube was used as the esophageal substitute. Twenty-eight months after the surgery, the patient is well with no evidence of cancer recurrence. Because it minimizes surgical stress and organ sacrifice, gastric tube interposition is a potentially useful technique for esophageal cancer associated with localized early gastric cancer.

Details of recurrence sites after elective nodal irradiation (ENI) using 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) combined with chemotherapy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma – A retrospective analysis

PurposeTo describe patterns of recurrence of elective nodal irradiation (ENI) in definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) using 3D-conformal radiotherapy. Methods and materialsOne hundred and twenty-six consecutive patients with stages I–IVB thoracic esophageal SqCC newly diagnosed between June 2000 and July 2009 and treated with 3D-CRT in our institution were recruited from our database. Definitive CRT consisted of two cycles of nedaplatin/5FU repeated every 4weeks, with concurrent radiation therapy of 50–50.4Gy in 25–28 fractions. Until completion, radiotherapy was delivered to the N1 and M1a lymph nodes as ENI in addition to gross tumor volume. ResultsAll 126 patients were included in this analysis, and their tumors were staged as follows: T1/T2/T3/T4, 28/18/54/26; N0/N1, 50/76; M0/M1a/M1b, 91/5/30. The mean follow-up period for the 63 surviving patients was 28.3 (±22.8) months. Eighty-seven patients (69%) achieved complete response (CR) without any residual tumor at least once after completion of CRT. After achieving CR, each of 40 patients experienced failures (local=20 and distant=20) and no patient experienced elective nodal failure without having any other site of recurrence. The upper thoracic esophageal carcinoma showed significantly more (34%) relapses at the local site than the middle (9%) or lower thoracic (11%) carcinomas. The 2-year and 3-year overall survival was 56% and 43%, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year disease-free survival was 46%, 38% and 33%, respectively. ConclusionsIn CRT for esophageal SqCC, ENI was effective for preventing regional nodal failure. The upper thoracic esophageal carcinomas had significantly more local recurrences than the middle or lower thoracic sites.