ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the efficacy and toxicities of S-1 in the maintenance treatment of advanced esophageal cancer. Methods A total of 52 advanced esophageal cancer patients who benefited from the first-line treatment were randomly divided into experimental group (26 cases received S-1 orally as maintenance treatment) and control group (26 cases received placebo orally) by means of coin toss. After treatment, the efficacy and toxicities of the two groups were observed comparatively. Results The overall response rates (ORR) in experimental group and control group were 84.6% (22/26) and 76.9% (20/26), respectively, and there was significant difference between the two groups (χ2=3.885, P=0.049). The median progression free survival (PFS) time of experimental group was 14.4 months, and that of control group was 12.5 months (χ2= 3.885, P= 0.049). The main adverse reactions of the two groups were grade 1-2, and grade 4 adverse reactions did not appear in all patients. Conclusion S-1 is effective and well-tolerated in the maintenance treatment of advanced esophageal cancer.