Prolonged Time to Surgery After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Increases Histopathological Response Without Affecting Survival in Patients With Esophageal or Junctional Cancer

It has recently been reported that a longer interval to esophagectomy following induction therapy results in higher pathologic response rates.  The current study used data from the CROSS trial to determine whether a longer interval to esophagectomy following induction therapy results in improved survival.  Time to surgery (TTS) was a median of 48 days, and was primarily determined by logistic constraints.  Increasing TTS after 45 days was associated with improved pCR and an increased risk of postoperative complications.  There was no survival advantage associated with increasing TTS.