Adjuvant (postoperative) therapy for esophageal cancer

Thorac Surg Clin. 2013 Nov;23(4):525-33. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2013.07.008.

Abstract

This article focuses on adjuvant (postoperative) strategies for locally advanced esophageal cancers. Results of completed phase III trials of postoperative therapy for locally advanced adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the esophagus and gastroesophageal (GE) junction are summarized. Several postoperative and perioperative strategies have been shown to improve survival by approximately 15% when compared with surgery alone for adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and GE junction. On the other hand, all proven strategies for resectable SCCs involve preoperative treatment, and there are no validated strategies for the postoperative treatment of SCC.

Keywords: Adjuvant; Chemoradiation; Chemotherapy; Esophageal cancer; Gastroesophageal junction cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / mortality
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Esophagectomy
  • Esophagogastric Junction* / pathology
  • Esophagogastric Junction* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents