Cancer of the Oesophagus—Results of Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy was performed on 80 per cent of 541 cases seen in the period 1950–59. Though 79 per cent of treated patients showed immediate benefit, only 9·2 per cent survived more than two years, and 3·1 per cent more than five years. Most patients still die of local recurrence, mediastinal invasion and hepatic metastasis. A smaller proportion develop pulmonary metastasis or dissemination to other regions. The average survival period was nine and a half months from the commencement of treatment. Radiographs of long term survivors are shown, and the occurrence of fibrous stricture of the oesophagus after irradiation is emphasised. Rotational radiation therapy is well tolerated and unless otherwise indicated, all patients should be given the chance of a radical treatment, since results are not often related to the radiological extent of the disease.