Adverse Prognostic Factors of Advanced Esophageal Cancer in Patients Undergoing Induction Therapy with Docetaxel, Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil

Background/Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify adverse prognostic factors for patients with advanced esophageal cancer undergoing chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF). Patients and Methods: The study cohort comprised of 45 patients with advanced esophageal cancer who underwent induction DCF therapy followed by esophagectomy or chemoradiotherapy. Treatment outcomes and factors affecting early recurrence and death were analyzed. Results: Overall 3-year survival was 61.4%, and 3-year disease-free survival was 44.7%. Clinically evident lymph node metastasis and clinical stage were associated with recurrence within 1 year and death within 2 years. Low maximum standardized uptake value (SUV_max) after induction DCF therapy and small decreases in SUV_max from pre- to post-DCF therapy were also predictors of recurrence and poor prognosis. Conclusion: Induction DCF therapy may be ineffective for advanced-stage esophageal cancer and clinical lymph node metastasis (≥N2, ≥stage IIIB). Moreover, small decreases in SUV_max DCF therapy are associated with early disease relapse and death.

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