Naslov
Intraluminal brachytherapy in the management of squamous carcinoma of the esophagus

Autori
Frobe, Ana ; Jones, Glenn ; Jakšić, Blanka ; Bokulić, Tomislav ; Budanec, Mirjana ; Mrčela, Iva ; Staničić- Rokotov, Dinko ; Hrabar, Davor ; Bolanča, Ante ; Rosenblatt, Eduardo ; Kusić, Zvonko

Izvornik
Diseases of the esophagus (1120-8694) 22 (2009), 6; 513-518

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
brachytherapy high dose rate ; dysphagia ; esophageal cancer ; palliative care ; quality of life

Sažetak
Intraluminal high dose rate brachytherapy (ILHDR BT) is one of several effective modalities for palliation of advanced esophageal cancer. Thirty patients with endoscopic-proven, mostly locally advanced, squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, not involving the gastroesophageal junction and without distant metastases, were included in this analysis. Twenty- nine patients received two ILHDR BT sessions of 8 Gy within a week and one patient received only one session. All patients were followed monthly. Outcomes included quality of life (QOL), symptoms control: dysphagia, regurgitation, odynophagia, and chest or back pain, as well as, overall survival. Through 4 months of follow-up, QOL was statistically improved (having lowered scores) in regards to feelings (P= 0.013), sleeping (P= 0.032), eating (P= 0.020), and social life (P= 0.002). The most significantly improved symptom was dysphagia (P < 0.006), with a reduction of 0.52 units or one-half grade. Regurgitation, odynophagia, and pain were lower during follow-up but were not statistically significant. The median overall survival from death of any cause was 165 days (with a 95% confidence interval of 128–195 days). In conclusion, ILHDR BT of advanced squamous esophageal cancer consisting of two out- patient procedures is very successful in achieving the primary objectives of the patients to reduce dysphagia and improve QOL.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA