Reassessing the Risk of Esophageal Cancer in Achalasia Post-Therapy: Findings From a Large United States Multi-Centre Retrospective Propensity-Matched Cohort Study.

Abstract

Background: Achalasia is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer; though reported incidence rates vary widely (0.4% to 9.2%) due to differences in demographics, follow-up duration, and diagnostic methods. This study evaluates the risk of esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus (BE) in achalasia using a large national database and a propensity-matched control cohort.

Methods: Achalasia patients were identified utilizing the TriNetX database based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for diagnostic procedures and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) directed therapies, including Heller myotomy, peroral endoscopic myotomy, and pneumatic dilation. A matched control group of celiac disease patients was used. A 1-year lead time was applied to exclude secondary malignant achalasia. Outcomes included the incidence of esophageal cancer and BE, with subgroup analysis in patients following therapy.

Results: Among 7863 achalasia patients (mean age 58.0, 51.9% female), the esophageal cancer risk was significantly higher than control (risk ratio 2.87, 95% CI: 1.56-5.27, p < 0.001). The absolute risk was low, with 40 cases (0.51%) over a mean follow-up of 3.18 years. BE risk was also higher in achalasia (risk ratio 1.54, 95% CI: 1.24-1.90, p < 0.001), with 220 cases (2.80%). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in BE risk between POEM and Heller myotomy (risk ratio 1.0, 95% CI: 0.42-2.40, p > 0.99).

Discussion: The elevated cancer risk in achalasia over a short follow-up period warrants reconsideration of current endoscopic surveillance guidelines, despite the low absolute risk of esophageal cancer and BE.