Research progress on postoperative recurrence and metastasis patterns of thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

doi:10.3760/cma.j.cn371439-20251119-00088

Abstract

Abstract:

Postoperative recurrence and metastasis of thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC） are key factors affecting patient prognosis. Patterns of postoperative recurrence and metastasis are jointly influenced by multiple factors，including the anatomical location of the tumor，pathological characteristics，biological behavior，pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy，and treatment modalities. With the evolution of neoadjuvant treatment strategies，patterns of postoperative recurrence and metastasis have shifted from a "locoregional recurrence-dominant" pattern of surgery alone，to a "distant metastasis-dominant" pattern of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy，and further to a potentially "local-systemic balanced control" pattern with the introduction of immunotherapy. The evolution of postoperative recurrence and metastasis patterns profoundly reflects the mechanisms and limitations of different treatment strategies. A systematic understanding of postoperative recurrence and metastasis patterns in thoracic ESCC，as well as the influencing factors，and conducting an in-depth analysis of the biological mechanisms underlying different treatment strategies，is crucial for optimizing perioperative treatment strategies and improving patient prognosis.

Key words: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Recurrence, Neoplasm metastasis, Immunotherapy, Tumor microenvironment

Bi Shixiang, Yin Yibo, Liu Wenjian. Research progress on postoperative recurrence and metastasis patterns of thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma[J]. Journal of International Oncology, 2026, 53(9): 554-558.

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