Chemotherapy and radiotherapy as part of curative management of esophageal cancer

Chemotherapy and irradiation it combination or alone have been employed in the treatment of oesophageal carcinomas for many years. However, their place in curative treatment is not definitively clarified. Several non-randomized studies indicate an effect from combined chemotherapy and irradiation possibly followed by surgery. Randomized studies published during the last few years confirm an increased curability in patients who have received combined treatment. New multicentre trials show that a more aggressive attitude is indicated in selected groups of patients with oesophageal carcinoma. Due to the variable spectrum of the disease and complexity of the treatment the treatment should be given in centres which master the different modalities.