Objective
The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical results and acute side effects of late course three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for esophageal carcinoma.
Methods
From January 2004 to October 2006, 70 patients with esophageal carcinoma received late course 3DCRT. Their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. The short-term clinical results, acute side effects, local control rates and survival rates were evaluated.
Results
The complete response rate was 62.9%, partial response rate was 35.7%, and the overall response rate was 98.6%. The 1-, 2- and 3-year local control rates were 77.1%, 51.4% and 45.7%, respectively. The 1-, 2- and 3-year overall survival rates were 75.7%, 54.3% and 38.6%, respectively. The median survival time was 26 months.
Conclusion
The technique of late course 3DCRT is an effective treatment for esophageal carcinoma and tend to improve the overall survival rate.