Endoscopic resection for residual oesophageal neoplasia after definitive chemoradiotherapy

Definitive chemoradiation is the recommended treatment for locally advanced, irresectable oesophageal cancer and a valid alternative to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with surgery in oesophageal squamous cell cancer (OSCC) patients. In case of locoregional recurrence, salvage treatment can be considered in fit and resectable patients. Salvage surgery is a valid option but associated with significant morbidity. Therefore, for tumors confined to the mucosa or submucosal layers endoscopic resection is a good and less-invasive alternative. Over the last decade several case-series have demonstrated a high technical success rate of endoscopic treatment after definitive CRT. In this review we summarize the clinical outcomes and challenges of endoscopic treatment of early recurrence after definitive CRT in oesophageal cancer.