Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article
Characterising timing and pattern of relapse following surgery for localised oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma: a retrospective study
Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2016
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Background
Oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma (OGA) has a poor prognosis, even for patients with operable disease. However, the optimal surveillance strategy following surgery is unknown.
Methods
We performed a retrospective review of all patients with OGA who had undergone surgery with radical intent at the Royal Marsden between January 2001 and December 2010.
Results
Of the 360 patients with OGA who underwent potentially curative surgery, 100/214 patients (47 %) with oesophageal/gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) adenocarcinoma and 47/146 patients (32 %) with gastric adenocarcinoma developed recurrent disease. 51, 79 and 92 % of relapses occurred within 1, 2 and 3 years respectively and the majority of patients relapsed at distant sites. Of the patients who relapsed, 67 % (67/100) with oesophageal/GOJ adenocarcinoma and 72 % of patients with gastric cancer (34/47) were symptomatic at the time of relapse. The majority of asymptomatic relapses were first detected by a rise in tumour markers. There was no difference in disease-free survival between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, but asymptomatic patients were more likely to receive further treatment and had a longer survival beyond relapse.
Conclusion
The majority of relapses occur within the first 3 years and at distant sites. Monitoring of tumour markers should be considered as part of a surveillance program.