Five-year outcomes of chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil followed by oesophagectomy in oesophageal cancer

Abstract

Background: Preoperative chemotherapy with surgery is the most effective treatment modality in Japan for advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We evaluated the long-term outcomes associated with preoperative docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (DCF) administration followed by oesophagectomy in OSCC. Patients and Methods: Overall, 76 consecutive patients with cStage IB-IIIC OSCC were enrolled. After two cycles of preoperative DCF, oesophagectomy was performed. Survival monitoring was performed and relevant risk factors were analysed. Results: The median follow-up period was 88.3 months. The 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates were 51% and 43%, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, cT3 stage [hazard ratio (HR)=1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08-6.16], incomplete chemotherapy (HR=2.35, 95% CI=1.37-4.02), poor clinical response (HR=1.82, 95% CI=1.01-3.29), and postoperative complications (HR=2.11, 95% CI=1.14-3.90) were independent predictors of poorer overall survival. Conclusion: The 5-year outcomes of preoperative DCF with oesophagectomy were favourable. Our findings can aid in the formulation of strategies aimed at improving prognosis in OSCC.