Clinical effects of three dimensional conformal radiotherapy(3DCRT) for the treatment of esophageal carcinoma

Objective To investigate the clinical results of three dimensional conformal radiotherapy(3DCRT) for esophageal carcinoma,and to analyze the relevant factors.Methods From March 2003 to March 2006,120 patients with esophageal carcinoma received 3DCRT.The prescribed doses ranged from 55 Gy to 70 Gy with 1.8~2.0 Gy per fraction,1 fraction per day and 5 fractions per week.The short-term clinical results,side effects,1-,3-and 5-year local control rates and survival rates were evaluated.The relevant factors were analyzed.Results The follow-up rate was 100%.The number of patients who completed the 1-,3-and 5-year follow-up was 120,72,and 23 respectively.The 1-,3-and 5-year local control rates were 76.8%,50.8% and 36.4% respectively.The 1-,3-and 5-year overall survival rates were 72%,36.3% and 21.8% respectively.The 1-,3-and 5-year overall survival rates were 90%,55% and 40% for stageⅡ disease,62%,25% and 15% for stage Ⅲ disease respectively(χ2=14.339,P=0.014).Conclusions The 3DCRT for the treatment of esophageal carcinoma is effective,which may improve the local control and overall survival rate compared with historical data.However,the most common treatment failure is still the local recurrence.It is tolerable that the radiation esophagitis and pulmonitis are the adverse effects.The maximal diameter of GTV remains an independent factor that affects the overall survival and the local control rate.