Lymph node metastasis mapping and identification of high-risk stations in pathological T1-2 esophageal squamous cell...

Lymph node metastasis is a crucial factor in predicting the prognosis of patients with pathologic T1-2 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy remains unclear. This study aims to determine the prognostic significance of high-risk lymph node stations and identify risk factors for high-risk lymph node station involvement.

Patients with pathologic T1-2 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy with lymph node dissection were enrolled between January 2014 and December 2019. The incidence of metastasis at each regional lymph node station was assessed, and the efficacy index was calculated to evaluate the therapeutic value of dissection.

In total, 695 patients with T1-2 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were included. Lymph node stations 2, 7, 8, 16, and 17 were defined as high-risk stations, with metastasis rates of 6.47%, 4.17%, 11.37%, 5.90%, and 7.34%, respectively, which were greater than those of the other stations. Patients with high-risk lymph node station metastasis exhibited elevated efficacy index values (1.67-5.44) and significantly worse overall survival (P < .001). High-risk lymph node station metastasis was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 1.986; 95% confidence interval, 1.452-2.716, P < .001). Logistic regression identified body mass index, tumor differentiation, tumor size, and tumor location as independent risk factors for high-risk lymph node station involvement.

Lymph node stations 2, 7, 8, 16, and 17 were high-risk stations associated with poor prognosis and high therapeutic value. Identification of these high-risk lymph node stations may guide a more tailored lymphadenectomy strategy in patients with T1-2 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.