Clinical Efficacy and Adverse Reactions of VMAT Radiotherapy Combined with Raltitrexed Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Elderly Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and adverse reactions of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) radiotherapy combined with raltitrexed chemotherapy in the treatment of elderly patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: A total of 86 elderly patients with esophageal cancer admitted to our hospital between February 2024 and February 2025 were enrolled in this study and equally divided into two groups: a control group receiving VMAT radiotherapy alone and a study group receiving VMAT radiotherapy combined with raltitrexed chemotherapy, with 43 patients in each group, to compare the therapeutic outcomes between the two treatment approaches. Results: The study group demonstrated significantly higher objective remission and disease control rates than the control group (P < 0.05). Post-treatment levels of HSP90α, Cyfra21-1, and CEA were markedly reduced in the study group relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Adverse reaction incidence showed no notable difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Quality of life (QOL) scores were significantly elevated in the study group compared to the control group at both 3- and 6-month follow-ups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: VMAT radiotherapy combined with raltitrexed chemotherapy can improve the short-term efficacy, reduce tumor marker levels, and improve the quality of life of elderly patients with esophageal cancer. The treatment has fewer adverse reactions and better patient tolerance.