Prognostic Significance of the Location of Lymph Node Metastases in Patients With Adenocarcinoma of the Distal Esophagus or Gastroesophageal Junction

The authors explored the relationship of nodal region and survival from adenocarcinoma of the esophagus/GEJ in patients undergoing induction therapy and transthoracic resection.  Survival diminished related to nodal status/region:  highest for no nodes, followed in order by: local/regional, truncal, upper thoracic, and combined truncal and upper thoracic.  They suggest that nodal location should be considered in future staging systems.