Tumor Stage After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Determines Survival After Surgery for Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus and Esophagogastric Junction

Using data from 2 centers in London, outcomes after induction therapy and resection for esophageal cancer were analyzed according to the pathological response to induction therapy.  Downstaging was the strongest predictor of survival (HR 0.43).  Downstaging was also associated with a lower rate of local recurrence (6% vs 13%) and systemic recurrence (19% vs 29%).  Pathologic stage after induction therapy was a stronger predictor of survival that was pretreatment clinical stage.