Endoscopic Palliative Therapies for Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

Endoscopic palliation of dysphagia for patients with inoperable esophageal cancer is complex, highly dependent on local expertise, and best done in a multidisciplinary fashion. Systemic therapy is the standard of care because it has been shown to improve survival. Esophageal stenting has traditionally been the most used endoscopic modality. Some modalities such as laser and photodynamic therapy are rarely used. There has been an increasing amount of data on cryotherapy, especially for patients with mild-to-moderate dysphagia on systemic chemotherapy. This article will discuss the latest evidence guiding the palliation of esophageal cancer.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Cryotherapy; Dysphagia; Esophageal cancer; Esophageal stent; Palliation; Quality of life; Radiotherapy.