Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus Synchronously Associated with Head and Neck Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to clarify the treatment strategy for synchronous squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC) and head and neck cancer (HNC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment outcomes of 91 patients with synchronous ESCC and HNC were evaluated. Thirty-eight patients received simultaneous definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and 15 patients underwent simultaneous resection. RESULTS: Among the patients who received simultaneous CRT, adverse events (grade 3-5) were recognized in 14 patients (40%), including one case of death due to aspiration pneumonia. Complete response was observed in 22 patients with ESCC (58%) and 19 patients with HNC (50%). The five-year survival rate was 44%. There were no in-hospital deaths after simultaneous resection; however, postoperative complications were recognized in 4 patients. The five-year OS was 70%. CONCLUSION: The treatment of synchronous ESCC and HNC must be decided by adopting a strategy that is appropriate for each case. Both simultaneous CRT and simultaneous resection are feasible and effective treatment options.