title: Outcomes of definitive chemoradiation in patients with esophageal cancer.
abstract: The incidence of esophageal cancer has risen dramatically in the Western world. Although surgical resection of esophageal tumors is considered the cornerstone of curative approaches in localized esophageal cancer, approximately 40% of patients who undergo chemoradiation followed by surgery will experience a recurrence. Additionally, surgical resection is not a viable option for many patients with locally advanced unresectable disease, poor general condition or whose condition deteriorated following chemoradiation. Several investigators have, therefore, attempted to evaluate the outcomes of definitive chemoradiation in patients with localized or locally advanced esophageal cancer. The outcomes of concurrent chemoradiation remain a matter of debate given the heterogenous study design and treatment regimens used in recent trials. Understanding the clinical benefit of chemoradiation is essential prior to recommending it as an alternative to surgery. In our review, we present the most recent studies evaluating the role of chemoradiation to better define the clinical outcomes of patients with special attention to overall survival.
authors.affiliation: Mark Zangmester Cancer Center, Columbus Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Sameh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mikhail
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Lai
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University Hospital-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington DC, USA.
authors.forename: Mohamed E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Salem
authors.affiliation: Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: Tanios
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bekaii-Saab
mesh_terms: D059248:Chemoradiotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: chemoradiation; esophageal cancer; esophagectomy; outcomes; survival