ABSTRACT
To compare the results of sequential with concurrent chemo radiotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus in terms of loco regional control, toxicity profile and overall survival,65 patients were enrolled between Jan 2008 and Dec. 2010, of which 37 were male and 28 female. Patients had histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma with locally advanced disease with no prior treatment in the form of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. Patients were divided into two groups and were comparable in terms of patient characteristics. In Group-I, 35 were given sequentially paclitaxel 175mg/ m2, cisplatin 75mg/m2 on day 1 of every 21 days for 3 cycles followed by external beam Radiotherapy followed by 3 more cycles of same chemotherapy. In Group-II, 30 patients were given two cycles of Induction chemotherapy same drugs and dosage as in Group-I and was followed by EBRT concurrent with paclitaxel 30mg/m2 given on day 1 of every week during radiation therapy treatment. The overall objective response rate at the end of treatment was superior 93.33% in Group-II as compared to 74.28% in Group-I. Thrombocytopenia was 73.33% and 17.14% in Group-II and Group-I respectively. Similarly, mucosites was higher 56.66% in Group-II as compared to 22.85% in Group-I. At 2 years of follow up, there was no statistically significant difference seen in overall and disease free survival.