3-D conformal radiation therapy for postradiation recurrent esophageal carcinoma

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of radiation for postradiation recurrent esophageal carcinoma using 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3-D CRT).Methods:Twenty esophageal carcinoma patients with local recurrence after their initial radiotherapy accepted with 3-D CRT. The total irradition dose, ranging from 45Gy to 60Gy, was delivered to 3.0Gy once daily, 5 days per week.Results:Grade 1～2 acute radiation esophagitis occurred in 65%(13/20) and grade 3 in 35% (7/20) patients; Grade 1～2 acute radiation bronchitis occurred in 35% (7/20) and grade 3 in 5%(1/20) patients;Grade 1～2 bone marrow suppression occurred in 50% (10/20) patients.The overall response rate was 100%, with complete response (CR) 80% (16/20) and partial response (PR) 20% (4/20), The 1-and 2-year survival rates were 69.2% (9/13),42.9%(3/7).Conclusion:3-D CRT can be considered effective postradiation local recurrence of esophageal carcinoma. With fewer acute complications.Complications and long-term survival require further study.