Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: We reviewed the cases of 119 patients with nonresectable esophageal carcinoma who underwent endoluminal palliation. Twenty-one patients required initial dilation and tumor obliteration with a neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser prior to therapy. Forty-four patients received photodynamic therapy followed by brachyradiotherapy, and 75 patients were treated with brachyradiotherapy. In both groups, some patients also received external-beam irradiation. RESULTS:
Photodynamic therapy produced a significant difference in relieving stenosis caused by tumor stenosis (mean, 6.6 mm; p = 0.0000). The dysphagia score improved by one to three levels in all patients, with a significant difference in favor of PDT (p = 0.0003). The mean number of overall treatment sessions was four (range, one to seven). The rate of major complications was 9.2%. Four esophageal perforations occurred, three after intervention and one spontaneously 5 months later. Four esophagorespiratory tract fistulas developed several months after combined PDT and irradiation. The mean overall survival was 7.7 months, and analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in favor of PDT and external-beam irradiation (p = 0.0129 and p = 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | A Maier, F Tomaselli, F Gebhard, P Rehak, J Smolle, F M Smolle-Jüttner |
Journal | The Annals of thoracic surgery
(Ann Thorac Surg)
Vol. 69
Issue 4
Pg. 1006-9
(Apr 2000)
ISSN: 0003-4975 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 10800784
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adenocarcinoma
(drug therapy, radiotherapy)
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Brachytherapy
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
(drug therapy, radiotherapy)
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Esophageal Neoplasms
(drug therapy, radiotherapy)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Palliative Care
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