New classification for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction in China

Objective: To determine the clinical application of the new classification of adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods: The data of cancer of distal esophagus, cancer of cardia, and proximal gastric cancer were reviewed. Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical modes and survival were analyzed according to Siewert's standards. Results: Among the 203 patients that were up to the standard, 29 had adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus (Type I), 80 had true carcinoma of cardia (Type II), and 94 had subcardial carcinoma (Type III). The 5-year survival rates of the 3 types of patients after the operation were 34% for Type I, 27.5% for Type II, and 24.5% for Type III (P < 0.05). Further analysis of the patients with curative resection suggested there was no significant difference in the 5-year survival rates, with 37.5% for Type I, 34.5% for Type II, and 33.3% for Type III (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Difference has been found in the clinicopathologic characteristics of the 3 types of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. The exact relation of the 3 types is still unknown. The TNM classification, complete tumor resection and the extent of lymph node metastasis are critical for the prognosis of the patients.