Background: Dysplasia and superficial esophageal cancer should initially be treated endoscopically. Little is known about post-procedural health-related quality of life (HRQL). The aim of this study was to present our results with endoscopic treatment and post-procedural HRQL.
Materials and methods: From June 2014 to December 2018, all patients treated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and/or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), T1a and a minority of patients with T1b at Oslo University Hospital were prospectively included. In June 2019, all patients alive were scored according to the Ogilvie dysphagia score as well as the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25 for assessment of HRQL.
Results: Eighty-six patients were treated out of whom 22 (26%) had LGD, 44 (51%) HGD, 13 (15%) T1a, and six patients (7%) T1b. Histology revealed adenocarcinoma in 18 (21%) and squamous cell carcinoma in one (1%), respectively. The mean follow-up was 22.9 months. Tumor regression or downstaging was archived in 78% of the patients with LGD, 66% of patients with HGD and in 89% of patients with T1a/b. Five patients (6%) had esophagectomy. There were few and no serious complications. The 90-days mortality was 1%. Fifty-two patients (88%) experienced no dysphagia (Ogilvie score 0). There was no difference in 11 out of the 15 variables in QLQ-C30 when compared to a non-cancerous reference population.
Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment is safe and efficient for treatment of dysplasia and superficial esophageal cancer. The two-years post-procedural level of HRQL and dysphagia was satisfactory.
Keywords: Barrett’s esophagus; EMR; HGD; LGD; RFA; dysphagia; health-related quality of life; superficial esophageal cancer.