Induction Chemoradiotherapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Thoracic Esophagus: Impact of Increased Dosage on Long-Term Results

Background This study analyzed the impact on long-term results of an increase in the dosage of an induction chemoradiotherapy protocol for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the thoracic esophagus. Methods Two groups were considered among 177 patients who underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy for SCC of the thoracic esophagus. Group A includes 111 patients (from 1987 to 1995) who were submitted to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (two cycles) and radiotherapy (3,000 cGy). Group B includes 66 patients (from 1995 to 2002) in which the doses were raised both in terms of chemotherapy (three cycles) and radiotherapy (5,000 cGy). Results The induction treatment was completed in most of the patients (92.1%) with an acceptable treatment-related mortality (2.6%). Surgery was accomplished in 148 patients; 78.4% and 92.4% in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.015). The postoperative in-hospital mortality was 8.8%. Tumor resection was possible in 91.8% with a better R0-resection rate for group B (83.9%; p = 0.004). Responders represented 34.9% of the patients with 20.1% of “complete” responses (29.5% in group B; p = 0.018). The overall 5-year survival rate was improved in group B (30.2%; p = 0.017), and when survival analysis was restricted to responders (70.1%; p = 0.027). Conclusions No differences in feasibility and complication rate were observed during the two study periods. A higher rate of R0-resections was achieved in group B. The increased dosage led to an increased rate of complete responses and to an improved overall 5-year survival.