RESUMO
Objective In order to finish radiotherapy, improve local control rate and prolong survival period, dysphagia of complete obstructive esophageal carcinoma was treated by sequential chemo-radiotherapy. Methods From Apr.1999 to Oct.2003, the 21 patients of complete obstructive esophageal carcinoma were analysed retrospectively.The 21 patients were thoracic esophageal carcinoma,which accounted for 2.4% in all of esophageal cancinoma patients treated by radiotherapy in the same period.They were divided into two groups:10 patients in group R received radiotherapy only, while 11 patients in group C + R received chemo-radiotherapy .For both groups, the same radiation technic was carried out by conventional fractionation, 180~200cGy/F,five times every week. For group C+R, 8 cases were treated with DF chemotherapy regimen, 3 with NP. 12~18 days After chemotherapy, radiotherapy was followed. Results In group R, 9 cases give up radiotherapy because dysphagia was not improved, one case was treated six weeks. Dysphagia was not improved in the ten patients. They died within 1~2 months from beginning of radiotherapy. Median overall survival was 40 days. In group C + R, Dysphagia was improved in the 11 patients from 1~7 days after chemotherapy. 10 patients finished radiotherapy apart from one whose life quality was poor. The quality of life was comparatively poor during and after radiotherapy. Myelosuppression was comparatively severe. Median overall survival was 14 months. There was statistically singnificant difference in two groups (P