Abstract

Objective: To evaluate recurrence patterns and prognostic factors after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CROSS protocol) and surgery in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted on 46 patients with stage II–III disease at Ho Chi Minh Oncology Hospital (12/2020–6/2024).

Results: The pathological complete response (pCR) rate was 47.8%. After a median follow-up of 26.7 months, recurrence developed in 9 patients (18.7%), mainly within the first two years post-treatment. All recurrences were distant metastases, primarily in the lungs (5 cases, 55.6%). The pCR group had a significantly lower recurrence rate compared to the non-pCR group (5% vs. 33%). Disease-free survival was also significantly better in the pCR group.

Conclusion: Pathological complete response after chemoradiotherapy is an important prognostic factor associated with lower recurrence risk and improved survival. The CROSS protocol is an effective treatment strategy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Vietnam.