The choice of surgical therapy in adenocarcinoma of the cardia

AIM: From 1996 the adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction (AEG) is divided into 3 types according to Siewert's classification. For AEG type I and III the surgical treatment is codified, while for type II is still controversial. The aim of our study is to understand what is the better surgical treatment for AEG type II. METHODS: From 1990 to 2002 we have performed 111 resections for adenocarcinoma of the cardia: 25 for AEG type I (all esophago-gastric resection), 39 for type II (22 esophago-gastric resection, 17 extended total gastrectomy with esophageal resection) and 47 for type III (8 esophago-gastric resection, 39 extended total gastrectomy with esophageal resection). RESULTS: The morbidity and mortality rates are 17 and 5.4%, without significant difference between the different surgical treatment (p>0.01). The 5 year survival rate is 35%. Significant prognostic factors are the staging TNM (p=0.002) and principally the presence of metastatic lymph nodes (p=0.001). For AEG type II any significant difference in survival is associated with surgical strategy, also in early stage (p>0.01). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of our study and those of the other authors, who have showed that a 10 cm distance of the neoplasm by the gastric side and the esophageal one could assure oncologic radicality and also that metastatic lymph nodes below pylorus and near greater curvature are uncommon, we can consider esophago-gastric resection for AEG II a speedy, safe and oncologically correct surgical treatment.     

Adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction.

BACKGROUND: The border between the esophagus and stomach gives rise to many discrepancies in the current literature regarding the etiology, classification and surgical treatment of adenocarcinoma arising at the esophago-gastric junction. We have consequently used the AEG-criteria (adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction) for classification and have based the selection of the surgical approach on the anatomic topographic subclassification. METHODS: In the following we report an analysis of a large and homogeneously classified population of 1602 consecutive patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction, with an emphasis on the surgical approach, the pattern of lymphatic spread, the outcome after surgical treatment and the prognostic factors. Demographic data, morphologic and histopathologic tumor characteristics, and long-term survival rates were compared among the three tumor subclassifiations. RESULTS: The study confirms the marked differences in sex distribution, associated specialized intestinal metaplasia in the esophagus, tumor grading, tumor growth pattern, lymphatic spread, and stage between the three tumor entities. The degree of resection and lymph node status were the dominating independent prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. The data show no significant differences of long-term survival after abdomino-thoracic esophagectomy and extended total gastrectomy in these patients. CONCLUSION: The classification of adenocarcinomas of the esophago-gastric junction in three types, AEG type I, type II and type III shows marked differences between the tumor entities and is recommended for selection of a proper surgical approach. Complete tumor resection and adequate lymphadenectomy are associated with good long-term prognosis. Better surgical management and standardized procedures will improve the outcome also of patients who need to undergo more radical surgery, i.e. abdomino-thoracic esophagectomy.     

Selection and techniques of surgical procedures based on the mode of cancer spread of rectal cancer

The author reviewed recent results of Japanese and international studies on preoperative staging, pathology of bisopied specimens, sentinel node navigation surgery, and single tumor cells in rectal cancer. Preoperative staging with high accuracy is possible using high spatial MRI imaging. Examination of circumferential resection margins is incompatible with that of lymph nodes Intersphincteric resection can be an alternative to abdominoperineal resection for selected rectal tumors located at the anorectal junction without compromising the chance for cure. Although information on sentinel node navigation surgery and isolated single cells has accumulated, the selection of surgical procedures should not be based on these investigations. We emphasize that multiinstitutional clinical trials of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgical treatment are indispensable for developing treatments for rectal cancer in Japan.     

Clinical diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction

The aim of the work paper is to present the diagnosis methods of the esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma, based on our experience and literature data. The later reveal many novelties about diagnosis means in Barrett's esophagus (BE), the definition and classification of BE, as well as the progress of the endoscopical, immunohistochemical and molecular methods in surveillance of the dysplasia arising in BE and in detection of intraepithelial neoplasia. Early esophago-gastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma (AC) is asymptomatic and its detection may be possible only through endoscopical surveillance. Although endoscopical surveillance is widely practiced, early AC represents only 20% from AC arising in BE. For this reason is necessary to use some more precise methods for identifying intestinal metaplasia on distal esophagus, in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease, as well as for risk stratification in patients with dysplasia and for detection of intraepithelial neoplasia. Applying modern methods of immunohistochemical and molecular diagnosis on endoscopical biopsy or esophageal brushing samples, the diagnosis rate for BE, dysplasia and early AC is improved and using the imaging means permits to obtain preoperative TNM staging and tumoral type (Siewert), with implications in therapeutical management.     

Limited resection for early adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus

OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of disease in patients with pT1 esophageal adenocarcinoma and to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a limited surgical approach. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Radical esophagectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy is widely advocated as the treatment of choice in patients with early adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. This approach, however, is associated with substantial complications and long-term side effects. The extent of resection necessary to achieve cure in such patients is not clear. METHODS: Seventy-one patients with pT1 adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus underwent transmediastinal or transthoracic esophagectomy with two-field lymphadenectomy. Twenty-four patients with uT1N0 tumors underwent a limited resection of the distal esophagus and esophagogastric junction, regional lymphadenectomy, and reconstruction by interposition of an isoperistaltic pedicled jejunal segment. The two groups were compared for extent and multicentricity of the primary tumor and associated high-grade dysplasia, pattern of lymph node metastases, complications, deaths, and outcome of surgical treatment. RESULTS: Multicentric tumor growth or associated high-grade dysplasia was observed in 60.6% of the resection specimens. Complete resection of the tumor and the entire segment with intestinal metaplasia was achieved in all patients, irrespective of the surgical approach. Patients undergoing limited resection had fewer complications. Lymph node metastases or micrometastases were present in none of the 38 patients with tumors limited to the mucosa (pT1a) versus 10 of the 56 (17.9%) patients with tumors invading the submucosa (pT1b). Distant lymph node metastases occurred only in patients with more than three positive regional lymph nodes. Lymph node metastases were prognostic, but the pT1a/pT1b category and the surgical approach were not. The mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index after limited resection did not differ from that of healthy controls: 20 of the 24 patients were completely asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with early adenocarcinoma in the distal esophagus, resection of the distal esophagus and esophagogastric junction, with regional lymphadenectomy and jejunal interposition, is an attractive limited surgical alternative to radical esophagectomy.     

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: results of surgical therapy based on anatomical/topographic classification in 1,002 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of surgical therapy based on a topographic/anatomical classification of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Because of its borderline location between the stomach and esophagus, the choice of surgical strategy for patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction is controversial. METHODS: In a large single-center series of 1,002 consecutive patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction, the choice of surgical approach was based on the location of the tumor center or tumor mass. Treatment of choice was esophagectomy for type I tumors (adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus) and extended gastrectomy for type II tumors (true carcinoma of the cardia) and type III tumors (subcardial gastric cancer infiltrating the distal esophagus). Demographic data, morphologic and histopathologic tumor characteristics, and long-term survival rates were compared among the three tumor types, focusing on the pattern of lymphatic spread, the outcome of surgery, and prognostic factors in patients with type II tumors. RESULTS: There were marked differences in sex distribution, associated intestinal metaplasia in the esophagus, tumor grading, tumor growth pattern, and stage distribution between the three tumor types. The postoperative death rate was higher after esophagectomy than extended total gastrectomy. On multivariate analysis, a complete tumor resection (R0 resection) and the lymph node status (pN0) were the dominating independent prognostic factors for the entire patient population and in the three tumor types, irrespective of the surgical approach. In patients with type II tumors, the pattern of lymphatic spread was primarily directed toward the paracardial, lesser curvature, and left gastric artery nodes; esophagectomy offered no survival benefit over extended gastrectomy in these patients. CONCLUSION: The classification of adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction into type I, II, and III tumors shows marked differences between the tumor types and provides a useful tool for selecting the surgical approach. For patients with type II tumors, esophagectomy offers no advantage over extended gastrectomy if a complete tumor resection can be achieved.     

食管胃交界部腺癌的综合治疗

本文对食管胃交界部腺癌的以手术为主的综合治疗的进展进行了全面的复习和总结,Siewert分型对于食管胃交界区域腺癌的手术人路选择比较实用。时于SiewertI型（实际为食管胸下段癌）．目前国内外观点趋于一致．应按食管癌TNM分期标准．首选Ivor—Lewis手术．行扩大二野淋岜结清扫．对于SiewertⅡ型（实际为贲门癌）应选择经左后外切口开胸开膈行食管胃部分切除．但当患者年龄偏大或身体条件差时．可以考虑选择经腹和扩大食管裂孔行食管胃部分切除。SiewertⅢ型（胃癌）．可以考虑选择经腹和扩大食管裂孔或左后外切口开胸开膈行食管胃部分切除．尤其考虑胸腔有可疑淋巴结转移或肿瘤累及EGJ以上食管可能导致上切缘阳性时．要考虑选择左后外切口开胸开膈行食管胃部分切除。围手术期化疗或术前同步放化疗对提高手术切除率或生存率有益．因此．对于肿瘤较大或有明硅淋巴结转移的患者可以考虑术前化疗或同步放化疗以提高R0手术切除率和长期生存．但术前同步放化疗会增加手术并发症风险。术后辅助治疗首选同步放化疗。     

Liver resection and transplantation — Therapeutic concepts in surgical treatment of hepatic metastases

Summary Background: Surgical procedures such as liver resection or liver transplantation are the only treatment modalities that provide a chance of cure for patients with liver metastases. Methods: This report reviews results of liver resection and liver transplantation for liver metastases from colorectal cancer and neuroendocrine tumors as compared to the natural course. Results: Overall 5 year survival after curative liver resection for colorectal metastases ranges between 25 and 48%. The operative mortality is between 0 and 5%. Risk factors for tumor recurrence are more or less defined. Reresections of metastases can be performed with comparable mortality rates and results. Liver transplantation for unresectable colorectal metastases offers a median survival of 28 months, but the chance of cure only for individual patients. Exclusion of patients with positive lymph nodes of the primary tumor improves median survival. As there are alternative treatment options for neuroendocrine metastases, indication for liver resection or transplantation is not clearly defined, but the chance of cure by means of surgical treatment should not be missed. Curative resections of neuroendocrine liver metastases can achieve 5-year survival rates of more than 80%. Conclusions: Radical surgical removal of liver metastases from colorectal and neuroendocrine cancer can improve the prognosis for selected patients. Further improval is expected from a multimodal approach.      

食管胃结合部腺癌的淋巴结转移规律

目的 分析食管胃结合部腺癌(AEG)的淋巴结转移规律,为其手术范围提供参考依据。方法 选择我院1989年1月至2010年12月行根治性切除手术的食管胃结合部腺癌119例,记录每例患者的淋巴结数目和大小,计算淋巴结总数和平均值,计算总体淋巴结转移率以及分组淋巴结转移率。结果 119例手术标本共检出淋巴结6537枚(30 ～ 157枚),平均(54.93±19.20)枚/例。119例中89例有淋巴结转移,总体淋巴结转移率74.79％,Siewert Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ型患者的淋巴结转移率分别为47.62％、71.11％和88.68％(x2=13.968,P＜0.01)。Siewert Ⅰ型患者有No.1 ～4、No.19 ～ 20和No.110～112淋巴结转移,No.5 ～6和No.10 ～ 11淋巴结无转移;不同的是,SiewertⅡ型和Ⅲ型患者有No.5 ～6和No.10～11淋巴结转移,而No.111 ～ 112淋巴结无转移。结论 食管胃结合部腺癌的淋巴结转移有明显规律,有助于指导手术范围。     

Three-field lymphadenectomy and pattern of lymph node spread in T3 adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and the gastro-esophageal junction

Objective: Lymph node metastasis in carcinoma of the esophagus and the gastro-esophageal junction is often underestimated by clinical staging. It is the aim of this study to provide support to the fact that three-field lymphadenectomy leads to a better pathological staging also in adenocarcinoma. Methods: The pattern of lymph node metastasis in adenocarcinoma of the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) and the distal esophagus was charted in a prospective way by using a database. An analysis was performed with regard to lymphatic spread in T₃, N⁺ adenocarcinomas of the distal esophagus and the GEJ junction, which were treated with a radical resection including a three-field lymphadenectomy. Out of 324 patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and GEJ, we selected a group of 37 patients with an adenocarcinoma T₃, N⁺ of the distal (n=17) or GEJ junction (n=20), treated with a radical resection and three-field lymphadenectomy (>25 lymph nodes resected). Results: In total, 2240 lymph nodes were removed, with a mean of 59.5 per patient. In the GEJ group the ratio of positive nodes was 15.9, in the distal 1/3 group this ratio was 12.7%. Abdominal lymph nodes were positive in all GEJ tumors and in 70% of the distal third carcinomas. Thoracic lymph nodes were positive in 40% of GEJ tumors, and 70.6% of the distal group. Cervical lymph nodes were positive in 20% of the GEJ tumors and in 35.3% of the distal tumors. In six patients only right-sided cervical nodes were affected. Three patients in the GEJ group had positive lymph nodes in the neck without any involvement of thoracic lymph nodes. Conclusions: (1) Three-field lymphadenectomy improves accuracy of staging. (2) Cervical nodes are frequently involved. (3) Especially in tumors of the GEJ there is an important skipping phenomenon, i.e. positive lymph nodes in the neck in the absence of involvement of thoracic nodes. (4) Clinical staging remains deficient in regard to lymph node metastasis, especially cervical nodes. (5) The frequent unforeseen involvement of cervical lymph nodes in adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and GEJ tumors makes the interpretation of results of induction chemoradiotherapy questionable. (6) For the same reason, cervical lymph nodes should be included in the radiation field in case of induction chemoradiotherapy. (7) The similar pattern of lymph node involvement suggests similar oncological behavior of adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and the GEJ, questioning the actual TNM classification of these tumors as gastric carcinomas.     

Limited surgical resection versus local endoscopic therapy of early cancers of the esophagogastric junction

BACKGROUND: Adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction (especially Barrett's cancers) are increasingly diagnosed at early stages. The current standard treatment - radical resection with extensive lymphadenectomy - has been challenged. Limited resection or endoscopic mucosal ablation have been proposed as less invasive alternatives. METHODS: Available data regarding limited surgical resections and endoscopic interventional procedures are evaluated with respect to short- and long-term results (mortality, morbidity, oncologic adequacy, quality of life). RESULTS: Limited resection of the esophagogastric junction has been proven as safe (low morbidity and mortality) and oncologically adequate procedure (low rate of recurrence/excellent long-term survival) with good quality of life. The procedure meets the oncological requirements (R0-resection, complete resection of potentially tumor-infiltrated lymph nodes and the entire precancerous Barrett's esophagus). Reconstruction with interposition of a pedicled isoperistaltic jejunal loop prevents reflux and is crucial for achieving good postoperative quality of life. In contrast, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) carries the risk of high recurrence rates (at least 30 %). This has to be regarded as an effect of the frequent incomplete resection, multicentric tumor growth, the persistence of precancerous Barrett's mucosa and persistence of gastroesophageal reflux. Consequently, from the oncological view point, EMR is only suited for unicentric mucosal tumors (T1a) in short segments of Barrett's esophagus. Reliable preoperative identification of such tumors is, however, currently not possible. CONCLUSION: For adequately selected patients with early Barrett's cancer, limited resection of the esophagogastric junction is an appropriate procedure. Endoscopic mucosa resection (EMR) might gain importance as staging tool.     

Combined total gastrectomy, total esophagectomy, and D2 lymph node dissection with transverse colonic interposition for adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction

The surgical treatment of adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is complex. A large tumor involving a substantial portion of both the esophagus and stomach requires complete resection with negative proximal and distal margins as well as D2 lymph node dissection. Some investigators have found that patients who do not undergo radical resection have a worse prognosis; however, more aggressive surgical treatments are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We describe our operative technique designed for complete resection of tumors of the GEJ. We used this technique to operate on nine patients, none of whom suffered anastomotic leakage or necrosis of the colonic interposition graft.     

Lymph-node metastases in rectal carcinoids

Background

Colorectal carcinoids are described as low-grade malignancy in the WHO classification. However, the survival is equally poor between carcinoids and adenocarcinomas if the tumors have lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis.

Patients and methods

We reviewed 17 patients with rectal carcinoid, who underwent surgical resection with lymph node dissection at our institution between March 2005 and November 2007. Our criteria for surgical resection were: tumor size of 10 mm or larger and positive resection margin or the presence of lymphovascular invasion in lesions to which endoscopic or surgical local treatment was carried out.

Results

Lymph node metastases were present in 12 patients. Three of them were with tumors less than 10 mm in size, of whom two patients had lymphovascular invasion. In eight out of the 12 with lymph node metastases, preoperative computed tomography (CT) identified lymph nodes of 5 mm or larger in size.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that rectal carcinoids with lymph node metastasis are common. Previously reported risk factors of lymph node metastasis in rectal carcinoid such as tumor size >?=?10 mm and lymphovascular invasion are useful in predicting lymph node metastasis. In addition, lymph nodes 5 mm or larger in size identified on preoperative CT suggest the presence of metastasis.     

Optimal lymph node dissection for carcinoma of the biliary tract]

To clarify the optimal lymph node dissection for carcinoma of the biliary tract, we analyzed the mode of lymphatic spread in 86 resected cases with carcinoma of the gallbladder and 139 with carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct, and investigated long-term results after resection based on the degree of lymph node metastasis. Of the 86 patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder, 62 (72.1%) had lymph node metastasis. Patients with m and mp tumors (n = 9) had no lymph node metastasis, whereas ss tumors (n = 13) had 23.1% lymph node metastasis. Those with se, si tumors (n = 64) had greater lymph node involvement (92.2%). In 4 patients with advanced carcinomas (ss or more) who survived more than 5 years, only one (limited to periportal lymph nodes) of them had lymph node metastasis. Of the 139 patients with carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct, 58 (41.7%) had lymph node metastasis. There was no lymph node metastasis in 15 patients with m or fm tumors. The frequency of metastasis in the ss (n = 39) and se, si (n = 85) tumors was 17.9% and 60.0%, respectively. Twenty-four patients with advanced tumors survived more than 5 years. Curative resection was achieved in all 24 and lymph node metastasis was n0 in 19, n1 in 4 and n2 in 1 patients. Satisfactory long-term result can be achieved in carcinoma of the biliary tract after resection when lymph node metastasis is limited to nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament. In view of our surgical results and the lymphatic drainage system of the biliary tract, systemic dissection of the regional lymph nodes, including periportal, posterior pancreato-duodenal, and celiac nodes, is necessary in patients with N0-N2 (limited to lymph nodes in the hapatoduodenal ligament) tumors in whom it contributes to good prognosis.     

Surgical treatment for higher stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Locally advanced lung cancer (stage IIIa, IIIb) in which the primary tumor is proximal (T3) or has invaded adjacent structures (T3) or organs (T4) or in which mediastinal lymph nodes are involved (N2, N3) worsens the prognosis significantly. However, in stage IIIa (T3 or N2), when surgical treatment results in total removal of the primary tumor and involved lymph nodes, there still is a reasonable chance for ultimate cure. On the other hand, total excision can be very rarely performed in T4 or N3 tumors. Therefore, this group (stage IIIb) usually indicates unresectability. Disseminated lung cancer with distant metastasis (stage IV) is still considered to be incurable. Nevertheless, solitary metastatic sites (M1), especially brain, have been treated on occasion by resection of the primary tumor and removal of the solitary metastasis. This appears to improve median survival and does yield 5-year survival in selected patients. The results after surgical treatment in these patients with higher stage lung cancer reported over the last 10 years are reviewed.     

Adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction: influence of esophageal resection margin and operative approach on outcome

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the length of esophageal resection or the operative approach influences outcome for patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: While R0 resection remains the mainstay of curative treatment of patients with GEJ cancer, the optimal length of esophageal resection remains controversial. METHODS: Patients with Siewert I, II, or III adenocarcinoma who underwent complete gross resection without neoadjuvant therapy were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Proximal margin lengths were recorded ex vivo as the distance from the gross tumor edge to the esophageal transection line. Operative approaches were grouped into gastrectomy (limited esophagectomy) or esophagectomy (extended esophagectomy). RESULTS: From 1985 through 2003, 505 patients underwent R0/R1 gastrectomy (n = 153) or esophagectomy (n = 352) without neoadjuvant treatment. There were no differences in R1 resection rate, number of nodes examined or operative mortality between gastrectomy and esophagectomy. Univariate analysis found >3.8 cm to be the ex vivo proximal margin length (approximately 5 cm in situ) most predictive of improved survival. Multivariable analysis in patients who underwent R0 resection with >or=15 lymph nodes examined (n = 275) found the number of positive lymph nodes, T stage, tumor grade, and ex vivo proximal margin length >3.8 cm to be independent prognostic factors. Subset analysis found that the benefit associated with >3.8 cm margin was limited to patients with T2 or greater tumors and 相似文献   

Limited resection for early esophageal cancer?

BACKGROUND: Early squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and early adenocarcinoma (AC) of the esophagus are potentially curable diseases. The crucial point in treatment is that the depth of tumor infiltration into the mucosal and submucosal layers is correlated with the rate of nodal metastases and therefore with long-term prognosis. METHODS AND FOCUS: In submucosal SCC with a high rate of nodal metastases curative resection can be achieved only by radical esophagectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy, which remains the treatment of choice for this tumor entity. In submucosal AC the Merendino procedure may offer an alternative since lymphatic invasion occurs at a later stage than in SCC, and locoregional lymph nodes can be adequately resected. Major advantages of this operation over radical esophagectomy include the complete resection of the entire Barrett segment and the lower postoperative morbidity and mortality. Vagal-sparing esophagectomy still lacks adequate oncological evaluation for it to be recommended except in stage I a tumors. For mucosal SCC and AC endoscopic mucosal resection is the treatment of choice but requires intensive follow-up since the rate of complete resections is lower than in limited and radical surgical procedures. On the other hand, a low postoperative morbidity and the functional integrity of the tubular esophagus support the use of endoscopic mucosal resection for mucosal cancer.     

Lymph node micrometastases in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction

Recurrences of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction are frequent even in patients who are classified as pN0 after radical resection, suggesting that occult nodal metastases may have been missed on routine histologic examination. Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies to cytokeratin was retrospectively performed in 1301 lymph nodes from 46 patients who tmderwent surgical resection for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction through a laparotomy and a right thoracotomy. Compared to routinely stained sections, the total number of metastatic lymph nodes was significantly (P = 0.0001) increased when both serial sectioning and anticytokeratin immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Overall 6 (33.3 %) of the 18 patients previously considered NO were recategorized as NI for the presence of micrometastases to lesser curvature nodes. Three of these patients had recurrent disease within the first year of follow-up. Both the probability of survival or no recurrence and the disease-free survival were significantly greater in patients in whom the ratio of invaded to removed lymph nodes was less than 0.2. Anticytokeratin analysis identified occult nodal metastases in one third of our patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. This modified tumor staging and had an impact on overall and diseasefree survival. Supported by grants from the Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro and the lstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Ospedale Maggiore.     

Carcinoma of the hypopharynx

The data in this study suggest that radical surgical treatment offers the best chance for control of disease in patients with cancer of the hypopharynx. The cervical lymph nodes are at a very high risk for early involvement by metastatic disease. Elective treatment of cervical lymph nodes must be considered in initial treatment planning to obtain better control of regional disease.