Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma: preliminary report of 35 patients

Objective: To evaluate the result and side effects in three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) for esophageal carcinoma. Methods: From 75 patients with pathologically confirmed esophageal carcinoma were divided into conventional radiotherapy (CF) and three dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) groups, with 35 patients in 3DCRT group and 40 patients in CF group. The patients in CF group received conventional radiotherapy in 2. 0 Gy/f, 5 fractions a week to a total dose of 60-66 Gy in 7 weeks. The patients in 3DCRT group were first treated by the same fractionation in CF group to the dose of 20 Gy, and then treated by 3DCRT in 2. 0 Gy/f,5 fractions a week to the total dose of 60-66 Gy in 7 weeks. Results:Effection rate(CR+PR)were 85%and 100%in CF group and in 3DCRT group respectively (x2=3. 85, P 0. 05). Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in radiation esophagitis(x2=3. 40, P 0. 05) , and there was no significant difference in radiation bronchitis(x2 = 3. 24, P 0.05). Conclusions; Lately effection rate of patients with esophageal carcinoma treated by three dimensional conformal radiotherapy is superior to conventional radiotherapy, and radiation toxicities could be endure.