Preoperative chemotherapy and radiation for advanced esophageal carcinoma: comparison between once a day radiation and hyperfractionation, a single-institution experience.

The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity and efficacy of single daily fractionation as compared with twice-a-day radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy for preoperative locally advanced thoracic esophageal carcinoma. A retrospective survey was done of 42 patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy and radiation for preoperative locally advanced thoracic esophageal carcinoma. Twenty-five patients had 5-fluorouracil ([5-FU]), 1,000 mg/m2/d by continuous infusion, days 1-5, and days 22-26), cisplatin (100 mg/m2 intravenously, days 2 and 22), and radiation to a total dose of 4,500 to 5,040 cGy in 180 cGy/fraction every day.