336 The Utility of Endoscopic Laser Therapy for the Palliation of Malignant Dysphagia in Patients with Oesophagogastric Cancer: Observations Within a Large Teaching Hospital

Abstract Aim The present study sought to examine the clinical outcomes of patients with oesophagogastric (OG) cancer undergoing endoscopic laser therapy for the palliation of malignant dysphagia. Method Patients with OG cancer undergoing endoscopic laser therapy for the palliation of malignant dysphagia at our institution, between the 1st March 2019 – 1st May 2025, were assessed for inclusion. Data collected included patient demographics, ECOG performance status, histological subtype, tumour site, TNM stage, incidence as well as type of further endoscopic intervention and overall survival. Results Forty-nine patients were included. 78% (n=38) of patients were male and 39% (n=19) of patients were ≥ 80 years old. 67% (n=33) of patients in this study were ECOG-PS 0/1. 71% (n=35) of patients had oesophageal tumours and 73% (n=36) had an adenocarcinoma. 39% (n=19) of patients had metastatic disease. The median survival from first endoscopic laser therapy was 8.5 (IQR 5-13) months. 88% (n=43) of patients required a further procedure for palliation of malignant dysphagia prior to death. The median time to re-intervention was 1 month. 73% (n=36) of patients underwent further laser therapy, with 65% (n=32) undergoing 3 or more procedures prior to death. 56% (n=27) of patients required insertion of a self-expanding metallic stent following endoscopic laser therapy. There were no cases of perforation or bleeding requiring transfusion or hospital admission following endoscopic laser therapy. Conclusions Endoscopic laser therapy is a safe therapeutic option for the continued palliation of malignant dysphagia in patients with OG tumours that do not requiring stenting.