Study: Combined preoperative, postoperative chemotherapy improves esophageal cancer outcomes

Editor's Note

In esophageal cancer, combining preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy lead to better outcomes, fewer deaths, and higher likelihood of complete tumor regression than preoperative chemotherapy alone, according to a randomized clinical trial. US News and World Report reported the news June 4.

Led by Dr. Jens Hoeppner from the University of Bielefeld, the trial included 371 patients with localized but advanced esophageal cancer. Half received chemotherapy only before surgery, while the other half received it both before and after. After three years, the preoperative and postoperative therapy group had a 30% less risk of dying than the former; were more likely to experience complete regression of the esophageal tumor; and lived an average of 66 months, versus 37 for the preoperative-only group. After nearly five years, 5.6% of the preoperative therapy group died versus only 3.2% of the group receiving both.

The findings suggest administering chemotherapy before and after surgery may improve long-term survival for patients with esophageal cancer. However, these findings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal, researchers write.