Rotation Treatment of Cancer of the Esophagus: A Clinical Material

Roentgen Treatment of Cancer of the Oesophagus

“…The cross-fire technique used was practically of the same value as the rotation radiation, described by KREBS et al (1949). Theoretically the same relationship may be expected.…”

Radiation therapy of esophageal carcinoma: Correlation of clinical and radiographic findings

“…However, unrecognized lymph node metastases presumably were present at that time, with subsequent dissemination of tumor. Others have similarly found that local regression of tumor often occurs in patients who eventually die from distant metastases [9,13,[19][20][21]. Thus, disappearance of the tumor on radiologic or endoscopic studies does not necessarily indicate a cure.…”

“…Polypoid squamous cell carcinomas under 5 cm in the cervical or upper thoracic esophagus are thought to be the most radiosensitive lesions [5,9,14,15]. Partial or total regression of the cancer reportedly occurs in about two-thirds of patients who undergo this form of treatment [13,16,17]. As a result, most patients experience significant relief from dysphagia in the initial months following therapy [1][2][3][4][5].…”

“…Recurrent tumor usually develops between 6 and 12 months following RT, but occasionally as long as 30 months after therapy [11]. Even when the tumor is eradicated locally, these patients frequently die from widespread metastases to the liver, lungs, or mediastinum [9,13,[19][20][21]. Increased morbidity and mortality may also be attributed directly to RT with complications such as esophageal ulceration, perforation, and fistula formation reportedly occurring in 7-25% of cases [5,18].…”

“…Anecdotal cases have been reported in which esophagrams taken before and after treatment showed regression of the tumor [1,6,[10][11][12][13]. While these lesions may recur, local recurrences have rarely been documented radiographically.…”