Retrospective analysis on results of late course accelerated hyperfractionation radiotherapy and conventional fractionation radiotherapy plus brachytherapy for esophageal carcinoma

Objective: To analyze and compare retrospectively the results of esophageal carcinoma treated with late course accelerated hyperfractionation radiotherapy (LCAHR) and conventional fractionation radiotherapy plus brachytherapy(CFRB). Methods: From May 1994 to November 1999, 265 patients from four independent prospective studies were included in the analysis. 135 patients treated by conventional fractionation radiotherapy with 3000 cGy/15f and then hyperfractionation radiotherapy(150 cGy/d, twice)with 3000 cGy/20f in the LCAHR group, and 130 patients by conventional fractionation radiotherapy with 5000 cGy/25f plus brachytherapy with 1000 cGy/2f(with a 6 hour interval) in the CFRB group. Results: The 1-,3-,5-year survival rate was 61.8%, 27.9%, 19.9% and 53.5%, 25.2%, 18.4% in LCAHE and CFRB group, respectively (P>0.05). Acute esophagitis occurrence rate was 61.5% and 57.0% in LCAHE and CFRB group, respectively(P=0.235), and grade III esophagitis occurrence rate without any difference in the two groups. Conclusions: The survival results show no difference between LCAHR and CFRB group. The technique of late course accelerated hyperfractionation radiotherapy, being easy to arrange, can be more easily carded out in clinical practice. (authors)