From 1950-1973, 129 patients received irradiation for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma at the University of California, San Francisco [USA]. From this group, 26 received surgical and irradiation treatment. Twelve did not receive irradiation until recurrence became evident and among them were no 5 yr survivors. Among the other 14 were six 5 yr survivors (43%). Planned sequential irradiation and surgery seem to offer the best chance for cure in squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Selection factors, treatment details and therapeutic regimens were presented and a management plan was proposed for this group of operable patients.