Gastric-Esophageal Stenting for Malignant Dysphagia: Results of Prospective Clinical Trial Evaluation of Long-Term Gastroesophageal Reflux and Quality of Life-Related Symptoms

Background Stenting across the gastroesophageal (GE) junction for adenocarcinoma has historically been contraindicated secondary to the concerns for severe GE reflux (GER) symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess reflux symptoms and quality of life (QOL) effects in patients undergoing esophageal stenting across the GE junction. Study Design We performed a prospective single arm QOL clinical trial evaluating patients with stage 2/3 GE junction adenocarcinoma, undergoing neoadjuvant therapy (from baseline to 10 weeks post-stenting) after stenting across the GE junction, for GER symptoms and QOL-GER assessments (EORTC-QLQ-O25 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Esophageal [FACT-E]). Results Forty consecutive patients were enrolled in this clinical trial. The median age was 62 years (range 47 to 83 years); 84% were male and 19% were female patients. Median dysphagia score of 3 (only liquids tolerated) pre-stent was significantly improved to a score of 0 (ability to eat all foods) post-stent (p = 0.01). There was a significantly improved and sustained swallowing QOL from 2 weeks up to 10 weeks post-stent. The GER-QOL scores were similar 2 weeks post-stent, but were significantly improved throughout the rest of the study. Proton pump inhibitors were being used in 58% of patients pre-stent and in 85% of patients at 2- to 10-week follow-up. Planned chemotherapy and/or chemo-radiation therapy was completed in 95% of all patients. Stent migration (radiologic and/or complete) was seen in 63% of patients at some time during their therapy and corresponded to pathologic response in 85% of those patients. Conclusions Esophageal stenting across the GE junction remains the optimal therapy for dysphagia relief in esophageal malignancies and does not adversely affect a patient's GER-QOL. Esophageal stenting across the GE junction is not contraindicated and should be the initial therapy in patient management.