Local recurrence of squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus after EMR

Background: Multicentric squamous dysplasia is frequent in the esophagus and can be visualized by chromoendoscopy (Lugol's solution) as Multiple Lugol-voiding lesions (LVLs). Although EMR commonly is used to treat superficial esophageal cancer, new lesions can arise and incomplete resection can result in residual disease. Little is known about the risk factors for local recurrence or the appropriate treatment for recurrent lesions. Methods: A total of 116 consecutive patients with a total of 165 esophageal squamous-cell carcinomas were Studied retrospectively. Follow-up examination by means of chromoendoscopy (Lugol's solution) and biopsies was performed every 3 months during the first year after EMR and every 6 months thereafter. Lesions were defined as a local recurrence when cancer was detected at the site of the EMR scar. Risk factors associated with local recurrence were investigated by using logistic analysis. Results: At a median follow-up of 35 months (range 12-110 months), local recurrence was detected for 33 (20%) of 165 lesions. Of the patient-related factors, multivariate logistic analysis showed that multiple LVLs (OR 3-1: 95% CI[1.1, 8.5]; p = 0.03) was an independent risk factor for local recurrence after EMR. The cumulative local recurrence rates at 3 years in patients with multiple LVLs and those without multiple LVLs were 39% and 1.4% (p < 0.01), respectively All of the recurrent lesions except two could be removed by EMR, which was not associated with any serious complication. The remaining two patients had chemoradiotherapy. Overall cause-specific survival at 3 years was 100%. Conclusions: Patients with multiple LVLs are at risk of local recurrence after EMR. Although careful long-term endoscopic follow-up is needed for such patients, EMR is potentially curative for recurrent lesions.