This is a prospectively randomized controlled trial to compare RAMIE and MIE in the treatment for locally advanced ESCC after neoadjuvant therapy. According to previous studies, long-term survival after RAMIE seemed to be at least comparable to MIE or open esophagectomy. Therefore, the RAMIE-2 study was designed as a non-inferiority trial, which was based on the hypothesis that the 5-year overall survival of patients who received RAMIE is uncompromised to MIE. To achieve the primary endpoint, 260 cases will be recruited in our hospital. Based on the volume of esophagectomy (1000 cases/year) and the proportion of patients with neoadjuvant therapy (50%) in our institution, approximately 10 patients will be enrolled for each group per month for this trial. The study will be performed in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice Guidelines. Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. The flow chart of this trial is also presented.
Age ranges from 18 to 75 years;
European Clinical Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) 0-2;
Histological subtype of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma;
Primary tumors are located at the intrathoracic esophagus;
Cervical esophageal cancer and carcinoma of gastro-esophageal junction;
Patients with unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer;
Histological subtype of esophageal non-squamous cell carcinoma;
History of previous thoracic surgery;