Synchronic radiotherapy-chemotherapy compared with radiotherapy alone in patients with upper and middle esophageal cancer

Objective To evaluate the toxicity and clinical activity of late course accelerated hyper fractionation radiotherapy plus chemotherapy ( LCAHR + C ) and late course accelerated hyper fractionation radiotherapy ( LCAHR). Methods 78 patients with mid-upper segment esophageal carcinoma were randomly divided into two groups:1) LCAFR group:36 patients 2) LCAHR + C group:36 patients. Were given with 6Mvxray,total tumer close was 40 Gy/20F,with conventional fractionation regimen during the first two-thirds of the course,and followed by lcahr,1. 2 Gy per fraction,twice daily. The total close varied up to 65 Gy. Paclitaxel 30 mg was given through in stravenous dripping for weeky administrated once per week before radiotherapy for 6weeks with premedication of 1 hour intravenous infusion. Results The effective rate of concurrent chemotherapy group was 83. 3% ,1、3、5 year survival rates were 71. 4% 、42. 8% 、28. 5; short-term and effective rate of the radiotherapy was 63. 8% ,1、3 year survival rates were 47. 2% 、27. 7% 、13. 8% ,by chi-square test,the difference was statistically significant,two side effects are tolerable. Conclusion In comparison with HF,the combined treatment tends to promote the survival rate,yet does not increase the late adverse reactions.