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Annals of Surgical Oncology
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology 12/2008

01-12-2008 | Gastrointestinal Oncology

Improving the Accuracy of TNM Staging in Esophageal Cancer: A Pathological Review of Resected Specimens

Authors: Sarah K. Thompson, MD, FRCSC, Andrew R. Ruszkiewicz, MD, FRCPA, Glyn G. Jamieson, MS, FRACS, Adrian Esterman, PhD, David I. Watson, MD, FRACS, Bas P. L. Wijnhoven, MD, PhD, Peter J. Lamb, MD, FRCS, Peter G. Devitt, MS, FRACS

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 12/2008

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Abstract

Background

Controversy exists over the Sixth Edition of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) TNM staging system for esophageal cancer. Inclusion of additional information such as the number of metastatic lymph nodes and extracapsular lymph node invasion may improve the current staging system and lead to optimization of patient treatment.

Methods

All patients in Adelaide who underwent resection for esophageal cancer between 1997 and 2007 were identified from a prospective database. Two independent observers then reexamined all pathology slides from the original resection. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify significant prognostic factors. The goodness of fit and accuracy of additional prognostic factors were assessed, and the staging system was modified according to this information.

Results

There were 240 patients (mean age, 62 years) who met the inclusion criteria. The 5-year overall survival rate was 36% (median, 24 months). Only histological grade and a refined pN stage were found to be independent prognostic factors that could then be used to improve current TNM staging. Subdivision of pN stage into three groups (0, 1–2, and >2 positive nodes) showed significant differences in 5-year survival between all three groups: 53% vs 27% vs 6%, respectively (P < .01). The optimal staging model was the same for patients who received neoadjuvant therapy and surgery (n = 116), and those who underwent surgery alone (n = 124).

Conclusion

A staging model that incorporates a refined pN stage and histological grade appears to be more accurate than the current UICC-TNM staging system. This staging model is still applicable in patients who receive neoadjuvant therapy.
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Metadata
Title
Improving the Accuracy of TNM Staging in Esophageal Cancer: A Pathological Review of Resected Specimens
Authors
Sarah K. Thompson, MD, FRCSC
Andrew R. Ruszkiewicz, MD, FRCPA
Glyn G. Jamieson, MS, FRACS
Adrian Esterman, PhD
David I. Watson, MD, FRACS
Bas P. L. Wijnhoven, MD, PhD
Peter J. Lamb, MD, FRCS
Peter G. Devitt, MS, FRACS
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 12/2008
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-008-0155-0

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