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Oncological outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervical esophagus treated with definitive (chemo-)radiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Original Article – Clinical Oncology
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

To determine the oncological outcomes of cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (CESCC) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 1222 patients (median age: 63.0 years, 95% CI 61.0–65.0) were included from 22 studies. The median follow-up time was 34.0 months (n = 1181, 95% CI 26.4–36.0). Estimated pooled OS rates (95% CI) at 1, 3, and 5 years were 77.9% (73.9–82.2), 48.4% (43.2–54.3), and 35.3% (29.7–41.9), respectively. The median OS (95% CI) was 33.4 months (25.8–42.2). Estimated pooled PFS rates (n = 595; 95% CI) at 1, 3, and 5 years were 64.1% (57.9–71.0), 38.0% (33.3–45.5), and 29.8% (23.9–37.1), respectively. The median PFS (95% CI) was 19.8 months (14.9–26.6).

Conclusions

Definitive CRT is a valuable first-line treatment for the management of CESCC. Further studies should focus on survival predictors able to define stage-based clinical guidelines.

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Data availability

Data and material are available on request.

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Correspondence to Andrea Costantino.

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De Virgilio, A., Costantino, A., Festa, B.M. et al. Oncological outcomes of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervical esophagus treated with definitive (chemo-)radiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 149, 1029–1041 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-022-03965-8

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