Long-term results of definitive chemoradiotherapy for unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term results of definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC). Materials and methods: We analyzed eighty patients with unresectable LA-ESCC, who underwent definitive CRT between 2001 and 2014. The 5-year overall survival (OS), cause-specific survival (CSS), and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were calculated, and we investigated the prognostic factors and adverse events. Results: The median age was 66 years (range, 41-83 years). Histologically, all patients had squamous cell carcinoma. The most common tumor site was the middle thoracic esophagus in 43 (54%) patients. According to the eighth edition of the Union for International Cancer Control TNM classification, sixty-six patients (83%) had T4 disease, 59 (74%) had regional lymph node (LN) metastases, and 35 (44%) had distant LN metastases beyond the regional LN(M1LYM) disease. Forty-five (56%) and 35 (44%) patients belong to clinical stages IVA and IVB, respectively. The median follow-up period for survivors was 86 months. The 5-year OS, CSS, and PFS rateswere 20.2%, 25.7%, and 18.4%, respectively. On univariate analysis, only the performance status score was significantly associated with better overall survival (p = 0.026). Grade 3 or higher late adverse events were observed in 12 (15%) patients, and these included cardiopulmonary adverse events in 6 (8%) patients. Treatment-related death occurred in 3 (4%) patients. Conclusion: We showed the long-termresults of definitive CRT for unresectable LA-ESCC. The survivals are still poor and new treatment strategies need to be developed.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the long-term results of chemoradiotherapy for unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC). The 5-year survival rates were low, with only performance status score significantly associated with overall survival. Most patients had T4 disease and lymph node metastases, with low rates of severe adverse events but treatment-related deaths occurred. New treatment strategies are needed due to poor survivals.