3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy combined with concurrent chemotherapy for esophageal cancer

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) combined with concurrent chemotherapy in management of esophageal carcinoma. Methods: From Feb. 2006 to Aug. 2007,31 patients with esophageal carcinoma were treated by 3DCRT at a dose of 1.8-2 Gy/f (55-65 Gy in total); at the same time, cisplatin 30 mg/m² was administered intravenously on the first day of each week until the end of the radiotherapy. After the therapy,chemotherapy regimen of cisplatin 20 mg plus tegafur 1.0 g were administered on day 1 to 5,every 28 days for two cycles. Results: Complete relief was observed in 22 cases, partial relief in 7 cases and no response in 2 cases,the overall response rate reached 93%; the food intake obstruction was relieved in 97% of the cases; the 1,2 and 3-year local control rates were 88%,51% and 40%,respectively; the 1,2 and 3-year survival rates were 93%,66% and 58%,respectively. Acute radiations esoph-agitis occurred in 100% of the cases,and 15% of them were at a grade of ≥ 3; leucopenia was observed in 56% of the cases,and 34% of them were at a grade of ≥ 3. Conclusions: 3DCRT combined with chemotherapy is an effective and well-tolerated regimen for treatment of patients with esophageal cancer.