[Prognosis following curative resection of the upper gastrointestinal tract cancer].

INTRODUCTION

Cancer in the upper gastrointestinal tract has a poor prognosis and the best results are obtained by the few resectable patients. Earlier studies indicated that Danish survival might be inferior to that of other Scandinavian countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival after curative resections for these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients referred for treatment of cancer of the oesophagus, stomach or pancreas were prospectively included. Data were registered with regard to pre-therapeutic examination and operative results. Deceased patients were found by comparison with the Danish Central Personal Register in January 2007.

RESULTS

A total of 398 patients were included, of whom 164 were found to be possibly resectable. In total 118 (30%) patients underwent complete surgical resection. The median survival period for patients with oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer was: 22.7 months (18.7-39.4), above 36 months and 31.4 months (19.2-) respectively. The observed 3-year survival was 40% (26-53), 56% (38-71) and 47% (31-62). The estimated 5-year survival was 35% (22-48), 56% (39-72), 43% (27-59).

CONCLUSION

The observed long-term survival was comparable to international results. However, only one third of the patients were eligible for complete surgical resection. It is therefore important to establish a close cooperation between surgeons and oncologist to improve the overall survival for this group of patients.