Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Recurrent Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Post-Radiation

The feasibility and outcomes of salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and ESD for metachronous esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) inside the irradiated field are not clear.

To explore the viability of ESD for ESCC in areas previously exposed to radiation, identify elements hindering successful ESD, assess prognosis, and elucidate considerations for follow-up.

Patients with ESCC who underwent salvage ESD or ESD for metachronous ESCC within the previously irradiated field at Kanagawa Cancer Center between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2023, were retrospectively investigated to evaluate patient and lesion characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes.

Thirty patients with 41 lesions were analyzed. The median age was 73 (52-88), and 93.3% were men. The middle thorax was the primary location, with flat lesions constituting 73.2%. In salvage ESD cases, the en bloc dissection rate was 91.3%, without adverse events. Conversely, the en bloc dissection rate in metachronous ESD was 100%, and aspiration pneumonitis and post-procedure stricture occurred in 12.5% and 12.5%, respectively. No lesion removed by salvage ESD recurred. During a median follow-up period of 685 (range 24-3061) days, 10 patients (52.6%) developed other organ malignancies, three died from pneumonia, and one died from pharyngeal cancer. The 5-year overall survival rate was 74.9%. No patient died of esophageal cancer.

Salvage and metachronous ESD are feasible and can achieve high en bloc resection rates and good local control. Screening for other organ malignancies after salvage ESD is indispensable. Preventing aspiration may also improve the prognosis.