Updates in the 8th edition of the TNM staging system for esophagus and esophagogastric junction cancer

The tumor–node metastasis (TNM) classification, originally developed in 1943 and subsequently adopted by the Union for International Cancer Control and the American Joint Committee on Cancer, is regularly updated based on new information and developments. The TNM classification system is the main tool used for both clinical and pathological staging of cancers worldwide. The 8th edition of the TNM classification for esophageal and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer, released in 2017, was updated from the 7th edition based on additional data supplied by the Worldwide Esophageal Cancer Collaboration group. We summarize the main changes between the 7th and 8th editions of this TNM classification. Notable changes included separate clinical, pathological and pathological prognostic staging for adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Pathological prognostic staging was also improved by updating the T- and N-factors regarding histopathological differentiation and tumor location, respectively. The definition of EGJ cancer was changed from tumors centered within 5 cm to tumors within 2 cm of the EGJ. These updates to the TNM classification will help to improve the personalized management and treatment of patients with esophageal and EGJ cancers.