Three-dimensional Conformal Radiationtherapy for Loco-regionally Recurrent Esophageal Cancer after Initial Radiotherapy

Objective To evaluate the feasibility,therapeutic effects and normal tissue complications of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy(3DCRT) for loco-regional recurrent esophageal cancer after initial radiotherapy.Methods 38 patients with loco-reigonal recurrent esophageal cancer after initial radiotherapy were treated with 3DCRT.Radiotherapy was delivered at 1.8～2.0 Gy per fraction,5 fractions per week,with a median total dose of 56 Gy.Results By December 31,2009,the follow-up rate was 100.0%.Among the 38 patients,8 patients achieved,complete remission 27 patients achieved partial remission.The overall 1-,2-and 3-year survival rates were 68.4%,23.7% and 15.8%.32 patients died,of which 15 from local recurrence,6 from distant metastases,2 from esophageal leak,1 from esophageal narrow,4 from systemic failures,2 from other diseases,and 2 from unknown causes.Conclusion For patients with loco-regional recurrences of esophageal cancer after initial radiotherapy,3DCRT is feasible,with a good clinical symptom relief rate and immediate tumor response.However,the complication rate is high and the clinical indications should be strictly controlled.