Rate of missed oesophageal cancer at routine endoscopy and survival outcomes: A multicentric cohort study

Missed oesophageal cancer (MEC) at upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) is poorly documented.

The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess the rate, predictors and survival of MEC; (2) to compare MEC and non-MEC tumours.

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at four tertiary centres. Oesophageal cancers (ECs) diagnosed between 2008 and 2015 were included. Patients with a premalignant condition (Barrett, achalasia), prior diagnosis of EC or oesophagogastric junction tumour of gastric origin were excluded. MEC was defined as EC detected within 36 months after negative UGE.

123,395 UGEs were performed during the study period, with 502 ECs being diagnosed (0.4%). A total of 391 ECs were finally included. Overall MEC rate was 6.4% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.4-9.3%). The interval between negative and diagnostic UGE was less than 2 years in 84% of the cases. Multivariate analysis showed that a negative endoscopy was associated with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and less experienced endoscopists. MEC was smaller than non-MEC at diagnosis (25 versus 40 mm, p = 0.021), more often flat or depressed (p = 0.013) and less frequently diagnosed as metastatic disease (p = 0.013). Overall 2-year survival rate was similar for MEC (20%) and non-MEC (24.1%) (p = 0.95).

MEC accounted for 6.4% of all ECs and was associated with poor survival. High-quality UGE and awareness of MEC may help to reduce its incidence.