Radiochemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in elderly patients.

Background/aims: The goal of this retrospective study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of curative radiochemotherapy (CRT) in elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (SCC).

Methodology: Between 1986 and 2011, 38 consecutive patients aged over 75 years with esophageal SCC were initially treated with a CRT regimen comprising radiation therapy at a dose of 60 Gy and two cycles of chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin.

Results: Fourteen patients were aged over 80 and 24 under 79 years. Complete treatment compliance was obtained in 30 (78.9%) of the patients. Chemotherapy was terminated and the dose of radiation reduced in 7 and 1 patients, respectively. The overall incidence of CRT-related complications was 86.8% (33 patients). Grade 3 leukocytopenia was observed in 6 (15.8%) patients, all of whom recovered promptly. A complete response was observed in 17 patients (44.7%). The overall 3-year survival rate was 32.0%.

Conclusions: Curative CRT is safe and may improve overall and progression-free 3-year survival rates in elderly patients aged more than 75 years with esophageal SCC.