Background and objectives: Medium- and long-term survival is low in esophageal cancer (EC) patients, which is thought to be due to tumor characteristics. Our aim was to determine both tumor- and non-tumor-related characteristics affecting survival in these patients.
Methods: Patients with primary EC between 1990 and 2008 in the southern part of the Netherlands were identified. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify determinants of survival.
Results: In total, 703 patients with EC were included for the 1-year, 551 for the 3-year and 436 for the 5-year survival analysis. Poor 1-year survival was independently associated with chemoradiation (compared to surgery), positive lymph nodes (N1-stage) and 1 or ≥2 comorbidities. Adenocarcinoma (EAC) compared to squamous cell carcinoma was significantly associated with a better 1-year survival. Poor 3- and 5-year survival was associated with N1-stage and chemoradiation. Positive prognostic factors for 3- and 5-year survival were neoadjuvant therapy and female gender.
Conclusion: Both tumor-related (negative lymph nodes and EAC histology) and non-tumor-related factors (surgery, neoadjuvant therapy, and female gender) are associated with a better survival of EC. Although it is not clear how histology and gender affect EC survival, knowledge of these factors may be relevant for clinical decision making.