Prognostic Evaluation of Nodal Skip Metastasis for Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background. Nodal skip metastasis (NSM) is a prognostic factor in certain malignant tumors, but the clinical and prognostic implications of NSM in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still unclear. The study aimed to assess its risk factors and prognostic value in thoracic ESCC.Methods. A retrospective study was conducted in patients with thoracic ESCC who underwent esophagectomy from March 2009 to March 2012 in the

Optimal Definition of Nodal Skip Metastasis in Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…Using the definition by He and colleagues, patients with NSM showed significantly better overall survival than those without NSM (5-year overall survival, 74.6% vs. 48.3%; P < .001), in marked contrast to their results. 1 On the other hand, the survival impact of NSM disappeared (P ¼ .18) with the application of the Japanese classification system for determining NSM.…”

“…We read with great interest the article by He and colleagues. 1 They revealed nodal skip metastasis (NSM) to be highly prevalent in patients with middle thoracic tumors. They also highlighted the prognostic impact of NSM using a large cohort composed only of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients undergoing upfront surgery.…”

“…We want to congratulate Lui and colleagues 1 for their work on racial disparities among patients receiving bridge to heart transplantation with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD).…”

Distribution of Lymph Node Metastases in Esophageal Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Upfront Surgery: A Systematic Review

“…Skip metastases are distant lymph nodes with metastatic involvement, without tumor infiltration in the regional lymph nodes, and they are more often seen in early tumors [10]. It is unclear what the exact clinical value is since the literature is conflicting on the prognostic relevance [41][42][43].…”

Corrigendum

“…We read with great interest the well-written article by He and colleagues. 1 We congratulate them on their excellent study and would like to share some opinions in the issue of nodal skip metastasis (NSM).…”