ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the treatment results and side-reactions of esophageal carcinoma treated with late course accelerated hyperfration radiotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy(LCAHR+C). Methods A prospective randomized trial was carried out on 173 esophagus squamous carcinoma patients whom were randomized into two groups:1. LCAHR group—89 patients treated by conventional fractionated radiotherapy during the first two-thirds of the whole course with 40Gy in 20-22 fractions, then followed by LCAHR with 20-30Gy in 14-20 fractions, 1.5Gy per fraction, 2 times per day, to a total dose of 60-70Gy in 34-42 fractions over 37-42 days; 2.LCAHR+C group—94 patients were received the same radiotherapy as LCAHR, supplement with concurrent chemotherapy from the first day of radiotherapy. The chemotherapy regimen was LFP: intravenous infusion of cisplatin 20mg/d, calcium folinate 100mg/d and 5-fluorouracil 500mg/d for five consecutive days, every 28d as one cycle to totally 4 cycles. Results The short-term effective rate was 85% and 95% in LCAHR and LCAHR+C group,respectively(?~2=4.45,P=0.035).The 1-,2-and 3-year local control rate was 73%,55%,49% and 83%,73%,65% in LCAHR and LCAHR+C group, respectively(?~2=5.32,P=0.021).The 1-,2- and 3-year survival rate was 74%,53%,41% and 84%,65%,52% in LCAHR and LCAHR+C group,respectively(?~2= 2.85 , P= 0.091 ).The leucocytopenia and gastrointestinal tract side-reactions in LCAHR+C group were more severe than those of LCAHR group(?~2=7.85,15.06;P=0.005,0.000). Conclusions Late course accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy can be taken as a effective treatment for esophageal carcinoma. It can improve short-term curative effect and local control rate, in spite of increase in leucocytopenia and gastrointestinal tract side-reactions.