Palliation for Carcinoma of the Esophagus

Abstract

From 1950-1973, 169 patients received irradiation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The average survival time was 10 mo., with 7% of the patients living 2 yr or more. The median survival time was 7 mo. Palliation averaged 6 mo. Most completing therapy (89%) achieved some palliation: 66% had significant relief of dysphagia for 2 mo. or longer. The anatomical location of the malignant obstruction did not influence therapeutic response: there was a similar response in cases of upper, middle and lower esophageal lesions. Thirty patients with progressive obstruction underwent endoesophageal intubation with Celestin tube placement. This procedure provided symptomatic relief with minimal morbidity.