BACKGROUND: We investigated temporal trends in treatment, and factors influencing treatment receipt and survival, for upper gastrointestinal cancers in routine community-based clinical practice.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Oesophageal and gastric-cardia cancers, diagnosed during the period 1994-2001, were sourced from the National Cancer Registry (Ireland). Analysis was by Joinpoint regression and multivariate logistic and Cox models.
RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of patients received surgery, 35% radiotherapy and 24% chemotherapy. Over time chemo- and radiotherapy receipt increased significantly, whilst surgery decreased. Treatment patterns varied by tumour site, histology and stage. Older and/or unmarried patients were significantly less likely to receive treatment. Among surgically treated patients, those aged 70+ had higher mortality. Among both surgical and non-surgical patients, those receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy had a modest, short-term, survival benefit.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of adjuvant therapies is increasing in routine practice. After adjusting for clinical factors, patient-related factors predicted treatment and mortality. Improving equity in gastrointestinal cancer treatment may help improve survival.
