PET Scan Imaging in Assessing Response in Patients With Esophageal Cancer Receiving Combination Chemotherapy

* Surgically resectable, histologically confirmed esophageal adenocarcinoma, including Siewert gastroesophageal (GE) junction adenocarcinomas types 1 and 2 * T1N1-3M0 or T2-4NanyM0 as determined by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and PET/CT (histologic confirmation of lymph involvement is not required); all disease (tumor and nodes) must be both surgically resectable and capable of containment in a radiotherapy field; no T4 tumor with clear evidence of invasion of the vertebral column, heart, great vessels, or tracheobronchial tree * All patients must have locoregional staging determined by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) if technically feasible; endoscopy reports or subsequent gastrointestinal (GI) clinic note should clearly state both the T and N stage * No evidence of distant metastases (as determined by EUS or PET/CT) * Patients with cervical, supraclavicular, or other nodal disease that is either not included in the radiation field or is not able to be resected at the time of esophagectomy are not eligible * Patient must have pre-resection tissue available for central pathology review, in case that the patient has a pCR at the time of surgical resection to confirm diagnosis * Patients must have an fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG)-avid tumor with a maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of \>= 5.0 on baseline PET/CT scan of primary tumor; baseline PET/CT scan should be performed; if it is necessary to repeat baseline PET/CT scan, reimbursement information is available * No prior malign…