Proton beam therapy combined with concurrent chemotherapy for esophageal cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of proton beam therapy (PBT) concurrently combined with chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil for esophageal cancer.

Patients and methods: Forty consecutive patients (stage I in 16 patients, II in 9 and III in 15) treated between 2008 and 2012 were evaluated. A total dose of 60 Gray equivalents (GyE) in 30 fractions was delivered, and an additional boost of 4-10 GyE was given when residual tumors were suspected. The median follow-up time was 24 months (range=7-66 months).

Results: No cardio-pulmonary toxicities of grade 3 or higher were observed. Recurrences were observed in 16 patients, and the 2-year rates of disease-specific survival and locoregional control were 77% and 66%, respectively.

Conclusion: Irrespective of the small sample size and short follow-up time of the study, proton beam therapy combined with chemo therapy seems to be feasible for esophageal cancer.

Keywords: Proton beam therapy; concurrent chemoradiotherapy; esophageal cancer; late toxicity; survival.