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International Journal of Clinical Oncology

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01-12-2018 | Original Article

Palliative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in stage IVA/B esophageal cancer patients with dysphagia

Authors: Terufumi Kawamoto, Keiji Nihei, Keisuke Sasai, Katsuyuki Karasawa

Published in: International Journal of Clinical Oncology | Issue 6/2018

Abstract

Background

Palliative therapeutic strategies in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients with dysphagia remain controversial. Only few studies have assessed therapeutic effect factors related to improvement in dysphagia score and nutrition-support-free survival (NSFS).

Objective

The present study assessed the efficacy and therapeutic effect factors related to the use of palliative radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in ESCC patients with dysphagia.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 70 patients with stage IVA/B ESCC. Patients received RT of 30 Gy in 10 fractions or concurrent CRT using 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin of 40 Gy in 20 fractions. The change in the dysphagia score from before to after treatment was assessed, and NSFS was evaluated.

Results

The median follow-up duration was 6 months (range 1–41 months). The overall rate of improvement in the dysphagia score was 60%. The median NSFS was 7.5 months. Craniocaudal tumor length < 6 cm, tumor circumference < 3/4, and CRT of 40 Gy in 20 fractions were associated with a significant improvement in the dysphagia score (p = 0.0036, p = 0.0069, and p = 0.03, respectively). NSFS was significantly longer with CRT than with RT (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

Palliative RT and CRT are effective treatment options for ESCC patients with dysphagia. Craniocaudal tumor length < 6 cm, tumor circumference < 3/4, and CRT of 40 Gy in 20 fractions may improve dysphagia. CRT of 40 Gy in 20 fractions may improve NSFS.

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Title: Palliative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in stage IVA/B esophageal cancer patients with dysphagia
Authors: Terufumi Kawamoto
Keiji Nihei
Keisuke Sasai
Katsuyuki Karasawa
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: International Journal of Clinical Oncology / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 1341-9625
Electronic ISSN: 1437-7772
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10147-018-1324-1

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