Risk of Recurrence Remains High After Neoadjuvant CRT and Surgery for EC/GEJC

The risk of recurrence remains a significant concern after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) followed by surgery, also known as trimodality therapy, for patients with esophageal cancer (EC) and gastroesophageal junction cancer (GEJC). This is according to recent studies and expert opinions from leading institutions worldwide.

Neoadjuvant CRT has become a standard treatment approach for EC/GEJC, offering improved outcomes compared to surgery alone. The trimodality therapy regimen involves administering chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgical resection of the tumor. While this approach can be effective in reducing tumor size and improving overall survival rates, the risk of recurrence remains high.

In fact, studies have shown that up to 30% of patients who receive neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgery may experience recurrent disease. This highlights the need for continued research into new treatment strategies and optimization of current therapies to improve outcomes for these patients.

Experts from leading institutions such as Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor University Medical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Bristol Myers Squibb, UZ Gent, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Duke University Institute, CHU Pontchaillou, Akita University Hospital, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fundacion Favaloro, University Lille, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg, Leuven and KULeuven, University Hospital of Cologne, Jagiellonian University, John Paul II Hospital, and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have contributed to our understanding of the risk of recurrence after neoadjuvant CRT and surgery for EC/GEJC.

Further research is needed to identify the optimal treatment strategy for patients with EC/GEJC who are at high risk of recurrence. In the meantime, ongoing clinical trials and collaboration among experts in the field may help to improve outcomes for these patients.

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