The relation between intracavitary irradiation and the tumor infiltration of esophageal carcinoma

Objective:To explore relationship between esophageal cancer extensive infiltration and intracavitary irradiation,and the factors patient's prognosis,so we could select the most suitable indication receiving the brachytherapy. Methods :From October 1993 to March 1994,23 esophageal carcinoma patients was treated by external beam and intracavitary irradiation.First,the patients were treated by conventional external beam to a dose of 3800cGy/19F/4W,then received treatment with high dose rate Ir 192 intracavitary irradiation to a dose of 500～600cGy/F/W. Results :There were 13 patients the survival term longer than one year and 10 pitients the survival term shorter than one year.In the two groups,the mean values of the lesion length,the largest extensive infiltration of CT,the diameter of esophageal cavitary and the term of survial were 6 2cm,11 5mm,6 3mm,15 7months and 8 0cm,19 8mm,8 3mm,7 6months respectively. Conclusion :We consider that patients which lesion length shorting 5 0cm,the largest extensive infiltration not exceeding 15mm,the tube diameter between 5～6mm,may be the most adaptable indication for brathytherapy.