Histological regression of squamous esophageal carcinoma assessed by percentage of residual viable cells after neoadjuvant chemoradiation is an important prognostic factor

Abstract

Background: Whether the TNM staging system is applicable after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in esophageal cancer is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of histopathological regression of the primary tumor in postchemoradiated patients. Materials and Methods: The pretherapeutic and pathological ypTNM stages of patients who have had neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by esophagectomy were analyzed. The percentage of residual viable cells of the primary tumor (ypV) and other clinicopathological factors were tested for their prognostic value. Results: Of 175 recruited patients, 55 (31.4%) achieved pathological complete response. The median survival of these 55 patients was significantly longer than those with other disease stages (124.8 vs 21.1 months) (P