Late course accelerated hyperfractionation radiotherapy for elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the clinical results and prognostic factors of late course accelerated hyperfractionation radiotherapy (LCAHR) in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma in the elderly. Methods 105 over 60 year-old patients with esophageal carcinoma who received radical LCAHR, were retrospectively analysed. Radical tumoricidal dose of 67.9～72.0?Gy was delivered in 39～43 fractions over 42～53 days. Results The 5-year local control rate was 63.7%. The 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival rate were 22.6% and 34.4%. Acute esophagitis and bronchitis were the most common but acceptable radioreactions Grade 1～2. No significant differences were found either in the clinical response or complication, between the 60～69 year and 70～80 year groups. By multivariate analysis, T stage and KPS score were two independent prognostic factors. Of 67 death cases, 31 died of local relapse, 23 of distant metastases, 8 of both and 5 of other causes. Conclusions LCAHR toxicity ,being tolerable for the older esophageal carcinoma patients,may improve their survival and quality of life.