Secondary Esophageal Cancer After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: An Institutional Case Series

Abstract

Background: Development of secondary esophageal cancer after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been described; however, there is little consensus on treatment and surveillance for these patients. The objective of this study was to describe our experience treating patients with secondary esophageal cancer. Methods: A retrospective chart review of prospectively collected data was performed to identify patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from 1997 to 2012 and in whom esophageal cancer developed later. Results: A total of 5066 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and esophageal cancer developed in 11 (0.2%) of these patients. The median time to diagnosis of esophageal cancer after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was 11 years (interquartile range, 8.5 to 14 years). Four patients received a diagnosis of stage III or IV disease. Seven patients underwent esophagectomy, 6 patients after neoadjuvant treatment. Three patients experienced adverse events postoperatively, all grades II and IIIa. Two surgical patients died of distant recurrence 2 years and 3 years, respectively, after their esophageal cancer diagnosis. The other 5 surgical patients have not experienced recurrence of their esophageal cancer. Conclusions: For patients with secondary esophageal cancer, esophagectomy after neoadjuvant treatment has acceptable morbidity and may be a viable option for this cohort.