Inoperable nonmetastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus managed by concomitant chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil and cisplatin) and radiation therapy.

Thirty-five patients with nonmetastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus were treated with chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, cisplatin) and concomitant split-course radiation therapy. All of the patients presented with dysphagia. Treatment consisted of two courses of chemotherapy with 5-FU (1 g/m2/day in continuous infusion for 5 days [days 1 to 5 and days 29 to 33] ) and cisplatin (70 mg/m2 intravenous bolus at days 2 and 30).

[Inoperable cancer of the esophagus: preliminary results of combined chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil-cisplatin) and radiotherapy].

The aim of this study was to appreciate the tolerance and efficacy of a new nonoperative therapy for inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on chemotherapy (5FU-cisplatinum) and concomitant splitcourse radiation therapy. Twenty five symptomatic patients (24 males, 1 female, mean age: 59 yrs, range: 41-72 yrs) were included. Five had 2 esophageal carcinoma, 5 an associated upper respiratory tract tumor and 2, relapse after surgery.