Intraluminal brachytherapy boost following external beam radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy of oesophagus carcinoma: Results of a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: The main objective of our study is to evaluate response and toxicity profile in patients receiving external beam radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy followed by intraluminal brachytherapy boost for a carcinoma of the oesophagus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with biopsy-proven carcinoma of the oesophagus received external beam radiotherapy (50Gy in 25 fractions) with concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin: 40mg/m2 ). After a gap of two to three weeks, intraluminal brachytherapy (10Gy in two fractions each 1 week apart by a high dose rate 60 Co source) was given. Response was evaluated at 1 month and at 1 year of completion of treatment. In addition, acute and chronic toxicity was evaluated at 1 month and 6 months of treatment.

RESULTS: Complete response were seen in 80% of patients and partial response in 20% at 1 month. Moreover, there were 65% complete response, 10% local recurrences, 15% patients showed local control with distant metastasis and 10% patients died at 1 year. Grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 oesophagitis were seen in 10%, 70% and 20% of patients respectively. Stricture was seen in 40% of patients and fistula in 10% of patients. There was no spinal cord, cardiac and nephrotoxicity found.

CONCLUSIONS: With the concept that high tumoricidal dose for adequate tumor control achieved by intraluminal brachytherapy as a mean of dose escalation, while sparing surrounding normal tissue and potentially improving therapeutic ratio, external beam radiotherapy followed by intraluminal brachytherapy could be a better choice for oesophagus carcinoma.