Primary Surgical Therapy

Added 06 March 2013

Phase III evidence supports the initiation of chemotherapy, radiation or both pre-operatively which is preferable to post-operative therapy. 

  • Early referral to a thoracic surgeon, medical and radiation oncologist is strongly recommended to plan optimal therapy. 
  • Esophagectomy: transhiatal or transthoracic
  • For those ​with cancer of the esophagogastric junction where a “gastric pull-up” procedure is anticipated, referral to the BCCA at the time of diagnosis is recommended for consideration of preoperative treatment.