High incidence of esophageal fistula on patients with clinical T4b esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received chemoradiotherapy: A retrospective analysis

Background and purposeDespite definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) being a recommended therapeutic method for patients with T4b esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), treatment response complications remain unclear. Esophageal fistula is severe CRT-related complication when treating locally advanced ESCC, but data on risk factors that lead to formation are limited. The aim of this analysis characterize the outcomes ESCC treated by CRT investigate fistula.Materials methodsWe retrospectively analyzed 136 clinically unresectable who were CRT. Response, survival, rates, particularly rate its associated analyzed.ResultsThe median progression-free survival overall (OS) all 7.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.1–9.7) 12.2 months 8.9–15.4), respectively. Kaplan–Meier curves showed 3- 5-year OS rates 29.9% 20.2%, incidence fistulas was 30.1%. only 6.9 (95%[CI] = 6.0–7.8) months. developing significantly high ulcerative-type tumors (odds ratio [OR] 3.202; 95%[CI] 1.036–7.850, P 0.011) those invading bronchus/trachea (OR 3.378; 1.223–9.332, 0.048).ConclusionWe demonstrated has curative potential, despite fistula, which main cause failure. higher ulceration or invasion.