A Case of Thoracic Esophageal Cancer with Brain and Scapula Metastases Remains Progression Free for 21 Months after Multidisciplinary Therapy

Abstract

We present the case of a 53-year-old man diagnosed with thoracic esophageal cancer with brain and right scapular metastases. We conducted chemoradiotherapy for the primary lesion and scapula, and stereotaxic radiotherapy for brain metastasis. After reevaluation, we conducted subtotal esophagectomy followed by twofield lymphadenectomy and additional chemotherapy with docetaxel. The man remains progression free in the 21 months since the first therapy. It is rare for patients with stage IVb esophageal cancer to remain recurrence-free for such a long time. We discuss our case in light of a review of the literature.