Clinical Report: Comprehensive Salvage Treatment for Recurrence of Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

Overview

This case report details a 66-year-old man who experienced recurrence of locally advanced esophageal cancer following inadequate postoperative surveillance after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). A comprehensive salvage treatment strategy was implemented.

Background

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but its success depends on rigorous postoperative surveillance. Failure to adhere to follow-up can result in undetected recurrence, leading to advanced disease that is more challenging to treat.

Data Highlights

No numerical or trial data provided in the article.

Key Findings

• The patient underwent ESD for early ESCC but was lost to follow-up.
• Seventeen months later, he presented with locally advanced recurrence (cT3N2M0).
• Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy resulted in marked regression of the primary tumor and lymph nodes.
• Radical transthoracic esophagectomy confirmed ypT2N0M0 disease.
• The patient remained disease-free at the last follow-up in September 2025.

Clinical Implications

This case highlights the importance of structured surveillance in managing ESCC.

Related Resources & Content

1. The ASCO Post, 2014 -- Customizing Surveillance Strategy in Patients With Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
2. Long-term and second recurrence following curative ESD for synchronous multiple early gastric neoplasia: a single-center cohort study
3. Surgical Endoscopy -- Efficacy of Aspiration Technique in Reducing the Risk of Postoperative Bleeding Following Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
4. Frontiers | Additional chemoradiotherapy following endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a narrative review
5. Oesophageal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - ScienceDirect
6. Surgical Endoscopy — Factors Influencing Incomplete Resection in Pharyngeal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection and Long-Term Outcomes Post-Resection
7. Frontiers | Additional chemoradiotherapy following endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a narrative review
8. Oesophageal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up - ScienceDirect
9. https://academic.oup.com/dote/article/37/Supplement_1/doae057.094/7746960