Long-term outcomes of additional surgical versus nonsurgical treatment after non-curative endoscopic resection for T1 superficial esophageal cancer

Abstract

Background: Endoscopic resection (ER) is the main treatment for T1 superficial esophageal cancer (SEC). Additional surgical resection (ASR) is recommended to improve the prognosis of patients with non-curative resection who are at high risk of recurrence and metastasis. However, the survival benefit of ASR compared to non-ASR remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the survival benefits of ASR versus non-ASR, providing robust data for clinical decision-making.

Method: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases for studies published before 24 February 2025. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS). Two independent reviewers screened and extracted the data and resolved disagreements by consensus. Risk of bias was assessed with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: The review identified 15 retrospective studies involving 1348 patients. Analysis showed that patients with ASR had significant survival advantages over non-ASR patients in OS, RFS, and DSS. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were as follows: OS (HR = 3.06; 95% CI: 2.11-4.43), RFS (HR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.16-2.41), and DSS (HR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.64-10.28). Survival curves indicated that at 3, 5, and 10 years, the OS rates were 95.9% versus 88.0%, 91.4% versus 78.2%, and 86.7% versus 56.9% for the ASR and non-ASR groups, respectively. Similarly, the RFS rates were 93.4% versus 82.9%, 83.6% versus 73.8%, and 74.5% versus 57.5%. For DSS, the rates were 98.4% versus 94.5%, 97.8% versus 91.1%, and 97.8% versus 87.9%. Log-rank tests confirmed significance for all comparisons except 10-year DSS.

Conclusions: For patients with T1 SEC who had non-curative ER, ASR therapy provides advantages over non-ASR therapy. However, within 5 years, the DSS difference between the ASR and non-ASR groups is likely to be minimal, with a range of approximately 4-6%.

Keywords: adjuvant therapy; endoscopic resection; esophagectomy; non-curative resection; superficial esophageal cancer; survival.