Surveillance for metachronous cancers after endoscopic resection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

The literature pertaining to surveillance following treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was reviewed and summarized, encompassing the current status and future perspectives. Analysis of the standardized mortality and incidence ratios for these cancers indicates an elevated risk of cancer in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and lungs among patients with esophageal SCC compared to the general population. To enhance the efficacy of surveillance for these metachronous cancers, risk stratification is needed. Various factors, including multiple Lugol-voiding lesions, multiple foci of dilated vascular areas, young age, and high mean corpuscular volume, have been identified as predictors of metachronous SCCs. Current practice involves stratifying the risk of metachronous esophageal and head/neck SCCs based on the presence of multiple Lugol-voiding lesions. Endoscopic surveillance, scheduled 6–12 months post-endoscopic resection, has demonstrated effectiveness, with over 90% of metachronous esophageal SCCs treatable through minimally invasive modalities. Narrow-band imaging emerges as the preferred surveillance method for esophageal and head/neck SCC based on comparative studies of various imaging techniques. Innovative approaches, such as artificial intelligence-assisted detection systems and radiofrequency ablation of high-risk background mucosa, may improve outcomes in patients following endoscopic resection.

Keywords

• active surveillance
• endoscopic submucosal dissection
• esophageal squamous cell carcinoma