OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to explore the influencing factors of prognosis for recurrent and metastatic esophageal carcinoma, and to provide reference for clinical treatment for these patients.

METHODSThe clinicopathological and follow-up data of 247 patients with recurrent and metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radical resection were retrospectively reviewed, combined with analysis of prognostic factors in these patients. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival, difference between groups was compared by Log rank test, and Cox model was used for multivariate analysis.

RESULTSAmong the 247 recurrent and metastatic patients, locoregional recurrence was in 139 patients (56.3%), distant metastasis in 60 patients (24.3%), and combined recurrence in 48 patients (19.4%). The survival time was 1 to 42 months in the 247 patients, and the median survival time was 10 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate after recurrence and metastasis was 26.4%, 6.3% and 2.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that regional lymph node metastasis of the primary tumor, distant lymph node metastasis, clinical staging, interval between operation and recurrence, recurrent and metastatic patterns, and treatment methods after recurrence and metastasis were influencing factors of prognosis (all P<0.05). Cox multivariate analysis indicated that clinical staging of the primary tumor, interval between operation and recurrence, recurrent and metastatic patterns, and treatment methods after recurrence and metastasis were independent factors influencing prognosis (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe prognosis of patients with recurrent and metastatic esophageal carcinoma is poor, and it is affected by many factors. Comprehensive treatment is effective in prolonging the survival time of the patients.