Optimizing locoregional staging in the preoperative setting of resectable esophageal cancer

Considering that the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for T staging was reported to be approximately 70%, and that the accuracy of EUS, computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) for N staging was no greater than 70%, we agreed with you that clinicians should carefully consider the limitations of EUS, PET and CT in decision making for the treatment option.

Conversely, your comments are entitled Optimizing Locoregional Staging in the Preoperative Setting of Resectable Esophageal Cancer. Please specify in detail the optimal method for diagnosing locoregional cancer aside from cancer genomics. Genome sequencing may identify causal mutations responsible for therapeutic resistance to esophageal cancer. However, this study aimed to determine which method would accurately diagnose T and N staging of resectable esophageal cancer and thereby determine which method may be beneficial for patients who will be considered for surgical resection. We are concerned that the scope of your comments are not fit for our work because they include no relevant questions or different opinion about our work. Please clarify exactly what you intend to discuss.