LAUSR

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (naCRT) for upper gastrointestinal malignancies induces a pathological complete response (pCR) in 25–85% of patients, depending on disease stage and regimen chosen. All patients with a pCR will have a clinical complete response (cCR). Avoidance of surgery is desirable where feasible, as operative intervention entails morbidity and mortality risks and a reduction in lifelong health related quality of life (HRQoL). Pursuant on a policy of permitting selected patients with a cCR to opt for surveillance, this study aims to compare the QoL of patients who chose surveillance over adjuvant surgery following a cCR to naCRT. One hundred and fourteen patients participated in the study. These comprised 4 groups; Group 1 (n = 31) were healthy controls; Group 2 (n = 26) had chemoradiotherapy only; Group 3 (n = 31) had oesophagectomy post naCRT and Group 4(n = 26) had gastrectomy alone. A novel 33 point questionnaire assessing 5 functional domains was completed focusing on symptoms of antro-pyloric function, respiratory reflux and post-vagotomy symptoms, as well as a previously validated questionnaire instrument for purposes of comparison and external validation. The data was aggregated to produce a total score ranging from 20–93 with 20 representing the least symptomatic. Mean(± sd) overall QoL scores were significantly better in patients avoiding resection (28.9 ± 4.5) vs oesophagectomy (32.3 ± 58. P = 0.042) and vs gastrectomy(33.19 ± 5.9, P = 0.004. Scores did not differ between patients undergoing oesophagectomy or gastrectomy (P = 0.889). Oesophagectomy was associated with a trend towards increased reflux-related respiratory symptoms (7.3 ± 2.2 vs 6.5 ± 1.9; P = 0.396) while gastrectomy patients reported more symptoms related to vagotomy (1.82 ± 0.9 vs 1.4 ± 0.6; P = 0.438) and early dumping (8.2 ± 1.4 vs 7.1 ± 1.7; P = 0.239). The mean score for the control group administered the novel questionnaire was 20.74, approaching the lowest possible score of 20. This was significantly lower than any of the scores recorded for the treatment groups (P = < 0.001). A strategy of active surveillance in complete responders to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is rewarded with a superior quality of life than in those undergoing surgery. All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.