Preoperative chemoradiotherapy increases R0 resection and pathologic complete response rates in esophageal carcinomaRadiotherapy Combined with Chemotherapy Shows Better Local Control for Cancer

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach between perioperative chemotherapy (CT) versus preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for esophageal carcinoma remains debated. This meta-analysis compares the safety and efficacy of CT versus CRT in resectable esophageal and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma. METHODS: Electronic databases were systematically searched for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with histologically confirmed, resectable esophageal or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma, directly compared perioperative CT with preoperative CRT, and reported at least one outcome of interest. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 with a random-effects model. Hazard Ratios (HRs) were pooled for time-to-event outcomes, and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous endpoints. RESULTS: Eight RCTs were included. Compared with CRT, CT had significantly reduced R0 resection rates (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89, 0.99) and a lower pathologic complete response (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.13, 0.58). No statistically significant differences were observed in overall survival, progression-free survival, postoperative mortality, or severe adverse events. There was a trend toward greater benefit of CRT in squamous cell carcinoma; however, the test for subgroup differences did not attain statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that CRT improves local tumor control by increasing R0 resection rates and complete response rates, but without a clear survival advantage over CT. This meta-analysis further highlights the need for an updated multidisciplinary framework and highlights the importance of biomarker-driven strategies in future research.