Hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy for patients with residual or recurrent oesophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIM: Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is frequently administered in oesophageal cancer. We carried out hyperthermochemotherapy (HCT) for residual or recurrent cases after dCRT for oesophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to elucidate the usefulness of salvage HCT for these patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Salvage HCT after dCRT was performed in 11 patients with residual or recurrent oesophageal cancer. We used an 8-MHz radiofrequency capacitive heating system for hyperthermia. The combined chemotherapy comprised of cisplatin/5-fluorouracil, an oral fluoropyrimidine and irinotecan.
RESULTS: There were no severe adverse events caused by hyperthermia. Complete response and stable disease was achieved in three and five patients, respectively; symptoms were improved in the remaining three patients. The median survival time after HCT was 12 (range=3-88) months.
CONCLUSION: HCT is a feasible and potent salvage therapy for patients with residual or recurrent oesophageal cancer after dCRT, unless salvage surgery is indicated.