One hundred ninety‐eight patients received radiation therapy for carcinoma of the esophagus. Eight patients subsequently developed at least one other epidermoid carcinoma within the upper aerodigestive tract. Analysis by life‐table method suggests a steadily increasing risk for second malignancies as survival lengthens. Implications with regard to the treatment and management of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus are discussed and the relevant literature is reviewed.
Between 1965 and 1981, 119 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus were treated with radiation therapy with curative intent. Radiation was employed in combination with surgery and delivered pre- and/or postoperatively in 20 patients (17%). The remainder received radiotherapy alone. The overall survival rate was statistically higher in patients who had surgery and radiation compared to the group receiving radiation alone. The one-, two-, and five-year survival rates of patients receiving combined treatment vs radiotherapy alone were 65% vs 35%, 25% vs 14%, and 15% vs 6%. Age, total radiation dose, and inclusion of the supraclavicular areas in the radiation portals did not impact on outcome. Other prognostic factors are discussed. Long term survivors were noted to be at substantial risk for the development of a second epidermoid malignancy in the upper aerodigestive tract. Cumulative risk at five years was approximately 25%.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.