BACKGROUND: The objective of this article was to review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) utilizing pre- and postoperative treatment modalities for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computerized (MEDLINE) and manual search was performed to identify articles published on this topic between 1984 and 2012. RESULTS: We identified a total of 49 published RCTs, which included a total of 8,785 patients with ESCC. Treatment modalities consisted of pre- (n=38) and postoperative (n=11) chemo-, radio- and chemoradiotherapy. While both preoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy apparently improve R0 resection, they often result in substantial postoperative morbidity and mortality. Only for preoperative chemoradiotherapy does there seem to be a significant benefit in overall survival. CONCLUSION: R0 resection remains the only curative therapy for patients with ESCC. While preoperative chemoradiotherapy may improve overall survival, there is still the need for well-designed RCTs, which should include a homogeneous patient collective, to clarify the question of definitive benefit.
BACKGROUND: The objective of this article was to review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) utilizing pre- and postoperative treatment modalities for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A computerized (MEDLINE) and manual search was performed to identify articles published on this topic between 1984 and 2012. RESULTS: We identified a total of 49 published RCTs, which included a total of 8,785 patients with ESCC. Treatment modalities consisted of pre- (n=38) and postoperative (n=11) chemo-, radio- and chemoradiotherapy. While both preoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy apparently improve R0 resection, they often result in substantial postoperative morbidity and mortality. Only for preoperative chemoradiotherapy does there seem to be a significant benefit in overall survival. CONCLUSION: R0 resection remains the only curative therapy for patients with ESCC. While preoperative chemoradiotherapy may improve overall survival, there is still the need for well-designed RCTs, which should include a homogeneous patient collective, to clarify the question of definitive benefit.
Authors: Yichun Wang; Li Zhang; Dongmei Ye; Wanli Xia; Jun Jiang; Xiumei Wang; Mingxia Zhang; Fan Wang Journal: Oncol Lett Date: 2018-01-16 Impact factor: 2.967
Authors: H S Abboud; D Camuzi; D C Rapozo; P V Fernandes; P Nicolau-Neto; S Guaraldi; T A Simão; L F Ribeiro Pinto; I M Gonzaga; S C Soares-Lima Journal: Braz J Med Biol Res Date: 2021-05-24 Impact factor: 2.590