Extensive lymph node removal during surgery for Esophageal cancer might not necessarily improve survival, according to new findings. In a study of 606 patients, the extent of lymphadenectomy was not significantly associated with 5-year all-cause or disease-specific mortality. These results are seemingly in conflict with the currently accepted standard of care, according to the study authors, led by Jesper Lagergren, MD, PhD, from Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London, United Kingdom.
The results showed that 5-year survival was similar in patients who had 21 to 52 nodes resected and in those who had 0 to 10 nodes resected. However, increased mortality rates were associated with a greater number of metastatic nodes and a higher positive- to negative-node ratio. "These results challenge current clinical guidelines," according to the study authors. "The conclusions of the…
