Intensive multimodality therapy for carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction.
BACKGROUND
We designed a trial of intensive multimodality therapy for carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction to assess tumor response and operability after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and to determine the impact of trimodality therapy on longterm survival.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients with resectable (clinical stage IIa, n = 17; IIb, n = 1; III, n = 14) squamous cell cancer (n = 15) or adenocarcinoma (n = 17) were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, leukovorin), resection, and postoperative chemoradiotherapy (hydroxyurea, 5-fluorouracil; 50-66 Gy).


RESULTS
Use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy yielded the following results: a measurable clinical response in 22 patients, stable disease in eight patients, disease progression in one patient, and death in one patient. Thirty-one patients underwent resection, with the following results: two operative deaths (6.5%) and nonfatal morbidity in 17 (59%); the median hospital stay was 13 days. Pathologic staging was stage 0, n = 1; I, n = 2; IIa, n = 11; IIb, n = 5; III, n = 7; and IV, n = 5. Postoperative chemoradiotherapy was completed in 23 patients with one death, for an overall treatment-related mortality rate of 12.5% (four of 32). At a mean follow-up of 22.5 months, median survival is 19.7 months and 14 patients are alive and disease free.


CONCLUSIONS
Neoadjuvant therapy for cancer of the esophagus and cardia results in good tumor response. Esophagectomy in this setting can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Results of an interim analysis of survival are encouraging and suggest that further investigation of this regimen is warranted.
Ferguson
M K
MK
Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Reeder
L B
LB
Hoffman
P C
PC
Haraf
D J
DJ
Drinkard
L C
LC
Vokes
E E
EE
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011182:Postoperative Care; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012074:Remission Induction; D015996:Survival Rate
D002945:Cisplatin; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil; D006918:Hydroxyurea