Image-guided intensity modulated radiotherapy with chemotherapy for postoperative esophageal cancer patients with regional relapse

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of image-guided mage-Guided Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy with chemotherapy for postoperative esophageal cancer patients with regional relapse. Between April 2010 and July 2013, 21 patients who previously treated with radical surgery were irradiated with Novalis Tx for regional relapse. Twenty-eight lesions were treated with IG-IMRT with chemotherapy. Seven patients have already had chemoradiotherapy for preoperative or salvage intervention. The median dose of radiation was 66 Gy/4.5 weeks. Nineteen patients had received the pre/post operative chemo (radio) therapy (standard FP). Three patients refused chemotherapy and 18 patients have received concomitant weekly DOC + CDGP chemotherapy. The responses were evaluated according to RECIST criteria. Acute toxicities were evaluated according to CTCAE 3.0 criteria. Median follow-up was 18 months (3 to 42 months). The initial response rate and CR rate was 89% and 61%, respectively. The actuarial 3-year survival rate was 71%. Acute toxicity was limited to grade 2 toxicity including anorexia (14%), pain (25%) and leukopenia (25%). More than G2 late toxicity has not observed. IG-IMRT with chemotherapy can offer a short and well-tolerated treatment for regional relapse after radically operated patients. Efficacy and toxicity need to be evaluated over the long term, but initial results are encouraging. (author)