Stage-related outcome for thymic epithelial tumours

Background Thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) are characterized by a wide variety of biological behaviors. Radical resection and stage are strong prognostic factors. Aim of this study is to review our Single Center Experience. Methods One hundred and seventy-seven patients observed in the period from January 2000 to December 2016 were included in the study. Data regarding clinicopathologic features, treatment, and survival were collected. Stage-related clinical standpoints and therapeutic options were also evaluated. Results Non-surgical treatment was primarily performed in 15 (8.47%), unresectable disease was intraoperatively found in 12 cases (7.4%). The analysis of 150 patients undergoing curative surgery revealed 70 stage I TET (46.66%), 49 stage II (32.66%), 19 stage III (12.66%), 6 stage IVa (4%) and 6 stage IVb (4%) at the first hospital admission. Histology identified 12 A thymoma (8%), 38 AB (25.33%), 24 B1 (16%), 50 B2 (33.33%), 19 B3 (12.66%) and 7 carcinomas (4.66%). The mean follow up time was 84.14 months (sd = 61.68 months). Disease relapse occurred in 13 patients (8.78%) at a mean period of 78.85 months (sd = 60.87 months) after surgery. Exitus due to thymoma happened in 6 cases (4.05%) after a mean survival of 56.02 months (sd = 25.17 months). The 5-year overall survival rate was 0.94 (95%CI 0.88–0.97) and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 0.90 (95%CI 0.83–0.94). The 5-year overall survival rates were 96.1% (95% CI, 89.9–98.5%) for the early stages and 87.4% (95% CI, 65.6–95.8%) for the advanced stages ( p = 0.670). The 5-year disease-free survival rates resulted being 98.8% (95% CI, 92.3–99.8%) for the early stages and 59.8% (95% CI, 37.8–76.2%) for the advanced stages ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Advanced stage TETs are characterized by higher mortality and recurrence rates. Although technically demanding, surgery, as part of multimodality therapy, could prolong survival. Iterative surgical treatment of recurrences is a viable option for selected patients. Trial registration The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Perugia and Terni University Hospitals [Code T1003] and was retrospectively registered.