Characteristics and Outcomes of Airway Involvement in Esophageal Cancer

Airway involvement, such as airway invasion, compression, and tracheobronchoesophageal fistula (TEF), in esophageal cancer is associated with significant morbidity. However, the risk factors and outcomes of airway complications remain unclear, with limited evidence to guide management.

This retrospective analysis included 804 patients with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer from 1998 to 2018 at a tertiary care medical center (Singapore General Hospital, Singapore). Patients' demographics, treatment details, and airway involvement, as determined by bronchoscopic evaluation or computed tomographic imaging, were recorded and analyzed to determine risk factors and outcomes of airway involvement.

The incidence of airway involvement and TEF was 36.6% and 13.1%, respectively. Airway involvement was associated with reduced survival from the time of diagnosis (hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30 to 1.79) and increased hospitalizations per year (4.53 ± 4.80 vs 2.75 ± 3.68; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, midesophageal tumors (odds ratio [OR], 11.0; 95% CI, 6.3 to 19.0) and upper esophageal tumors (OR, 8.5; 95% CI, 4.7 to 15.6), previous treatment with esophageal stenting (OR, 17.8; 95% CI, 4.1 to 77.6), and chemotherapy or radiotherapy were associated with development of airway involvement. In patients with TEF, treatment with chemotherapy (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.60) and combined airway and esophageal stenting (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.91) were independently associated with improved survival.

Airway involvement and TEF are common and are associated with increased morbidity and poorer survival. Clinicians should remain vigilant for airway complications after treatment with esophageal stenting, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, especially in patients with midesophageal and upper esophageal cancers. In patients with TEFs, survival is improved when they are treated with airway stenting, esophageal stenting, or chemotherapy.