Survival of Stage pT4 Esophageal Carcinoma Patients After Surgery

Objective To retrospectively analyze the survival and its related factors of the patients with stage pT4 esophageal carcinoma (EC) after resection.

Methods From Jan, 2008 to Dec, 2011, 77 patients with stage pT4N0-3M0 EC after resection were enrolled. Cox univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the postoperative survival and its related factors.

Results Until the end of follow-up, the 3-, 5-year survival rates and median overall survival (OS) were 39.0%, 35.3% and 24 months, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that tumor lesion and stage pN were associated with OS (P < 0.05); multivariate analysis revealed that stage pN was the only independent factor for OS. The 3-, 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates and median PFS were 43.6%, 34.6% and 21 months; univariate analysis showed that tumor lesion and stage pN were associated with PFS(P < 0.05); multivariate analysis revealed stage pN and removal lymph node number were the independent factors for PFS.

Conclusion  The survival of stage pT4N0-3M0 EC patients after surgery is poor. Stage pN is the most important independent factor for OS and PFS. Tumor lesion is also related with OS and PFS.