• A new laser approach—photodynamic therapy—involves the injection of a substance that makes tissue more
sensitive to light. This is followed by the burning of a hole with a laser through the esophageal obstruction.
This is safe and may temporarily help to control tumors and allow eating. ( See Laser Therapy )
• An interferon + 5-FU/leucovorin + cisplatin program is under study.
Stage III
TNM T3-T4, any N, and M0
The tumor has spread outside the esophagus and there is extensive lymph node involvement, but there are no metastases.
Standard Treatment Multiple approaches are used with Stage III cancer. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used for palliation (5-FU + cisplatin, 5-FU, 5-FU + cisplatin + Adriamycin or 5-FU + mitomycin-C).
Nutrition is a major concern, because patients cannot swallow. A nutritional support program should be instituted with an enteral feeding tube or hyperalimentation . Lasers may be used to open up a blocked esophagus or an eating tube may be inserted.
Five-Year Survival Less than 10 percent when the cancer has spread to adjacent structures but not to other organs
