Palliative Treatment Of Esophageal Cancer Research Articles

Patterns of Palliative Treatments in Stage IV Esophageal Cancer.

Background: The 5year survival rate of esophageal cancer is under 20%. Studies have shown that early palliative treatments can improve patient quality of life and lower depressed mood without expediting mortality. Despite these benefits, few studies have analyzed factors associated with the national variation among patients who received palliative treatment for esophageal cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective study of adults diagnosed with stage IV esophageal cancer between 2004 and 2018 in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) who received palliative treatment or not (n = 43,599). Cross tabulation and binary logistic regression were performed and evaluated using SPSS. Exclusion criteria included concurrent tumors, patients under age 18, and missing data. Results: Of the 43,599 patients, 26.1% of patients received palliative interventions (n = 11,371). The majority of palliative treatment patients lived less than 6 months after diagnosis (54%) and received radiation (35.7%) or chemotherapy (34.5%) with palliative intent. The patients who received palliative treatment tended to be non-Hispanic (96.6%), white (87.2%), male (83.3%) patients between age 61 and 75 (43.8%) at a comprehensive community cancer program (38.7%) with adenocarcinoma histology (71.8%). Palliative treatment patients most commonly relied on Medicare as their primary payor (45.9%) and had a median household income over $48,000 (54.5%). Conclusion: We identified trends among stage IV esophageal cancer patients receiving palliative treatments. Patients receiving palliative treatments tended to be white, non-Hispanic men. Compared to patients who did not receive palliating treatments, this cohort was more likely to receive treatment at a comprehensive, academic, or integrated network facility.

Palliative Treatment of Esophageal Cancer Using Calcium Electroporation.

Calcium electroporation (CaEP) is a novel cancer therapy wherein high intracellular calcium levels, facilitated by reversible electroporation, trigger tumor necrosis. This study aimed to establish safety with CaEP within esophageal cancer. Patients with non-curable esophageal cancer were included at Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet in 2021 and 2022. In an outpatient setting, calcium gluconate was injected intratumorally followed by reversible electroporation applied with an endoscopic electrode. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of adverse events, followed by palliation of dysphagia. All patients were evaluated with CT and upper endoscopies up to two months after treatment. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04958044). Eight patients were treated. One serious adverse event (anemia, requiring a single blood transfusion) and three adverse events (mild retrosternal pain (two) and oral thrush (one)) were registered. Initially, six patients suffered from dysphagia: two reported dysphagia relief and four reported no change. From the imaging evaluation, one patient had a partial response, three patients had no response, and four patients had progression. Six months after treatment, the patient who responded well was still in good condition and without the need for further oncological treatment. CaEP was conducted in eight patients with only a few side effects. This study opens the way for larger studies evaluating tumor regression and symptom palliation.

Short-Course 2-Dimensional Radiation Therapy in the Palliative Treatment of Esophageal Cancer in a Developing Country: A Phase II Study (Sharon Project)

PurposePatients with locally advanced and metastatic esophageal cancer are usually affected by cancer-related symptoms, which worsen their performance status and quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of short-course accelerated radiation therapy for symptomatic palliation in a low resourced setting where only a 2-dimensional radiation therapy (RT) technique was available. Methods and MaterialsA phase II trial based on Simon’s 2-stage design was planned. A total dose of 12 Gy in 4 fractions, twice per day, over 2 days, ≥8 hours apart, using a 2-dimensional conventional RT technique was delivered with a Cobalt 60 unit (Equinox, Best Theratronics, Ottawa, Ontario). Symptoms were graded using the International Atomic Energy Agency scoring system. ResultsA total of 17 patients were treated (male/female = 10/7; median age, 50.0 years; range, 27-78 years; histology: 6 adenocarcinomas and 11 squamous cell carcinomas; tumor site: 4 gastresophageal junction and 13 esophagus). The most frequent baseline symptoms were dysphagia or regurgitation (100%), odynophagia (76%), and chest or back pain (53%). At 1 month after RT, all patients were alive with palliative response rates (complete plus partial) for dysphagia, regurgitation, odynophagia, and chest or back pain of 76%, 82%, 69%, and 56%, respectively. No patients presented acute ≥G3 toxicity. ConclusionsShort-course accelerated radiation therapy treatment, planned and delivered using a conventional 2-dimensional RT technique, was effective and well tolerated for the symptomatic palliation of locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer. This schedule may be useful for RT centers in developing countries to reduce treatment times, costs, and patient waiting times before treatment.

Fully covered stents versus partially covered stents for palliative treatment of esophageal cancer: Is there a difference?

Introduction and aimsMalignant dysphagia is difficulty swallowing resulting from esophageal obstruction due to cancer. The goal of palliative treatment is to reduce the dysphagia and improve oral dietary intake. Self-expandable metallic stents are the current treatment of choice, given that they enable the immediate restoration of oral intake. The aim of the present study was to describe the results of using totally covered and partially covered esophageal stents for palliating esophageal cancer. Materials and methodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients with inoperable esophageal cancer treated with self-expandable metallic stents. The 2 groups formed were: group A, which consisted of patients with a fully covered self-expandable stent (SX-ELLA®), and group B, which was made up of patients with a partially covered self-expandable stent (Ultraflex®). ResultsOf the 69-patient total, 50 were included in the study. Group A had 19 men and 2 women and their mean age was 63.6 years (range 41-84). Technical success was achieved in 100% (n=21) of the cases and clinical success in 90.4% (n=19). Group B had 24 men and 5 women and their mean age was 67.5 years (range 43-92). Technical success was achieved in 100% (n=29) of the cases and clinical success in 89.6% (n=26). Complications were similar in both groups (33.3 vs. 51.7%). ConclusionThere was no difference between the 2 types of stent for the palliative treatment of esophageal cancer with respect to technical success, clinical success, or complications.

Are single or dual luminal covered expandable metallic stents suitable for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with esophago-airway fistula?

To analyze the outcomes of single or dual luminal self-expandable covered metallic stents (SECMS) for palliative treatment for esophageal cancer with esophago-airway fistula (EAF). We retrospectively assessed 50 patients who underwent SECMS placement for malignant EAF at our institution between June 2005 and December 2014 to define clinical results of stenting. Treatment provided was classified into initial single airway, single esophageal, or double stent placement. Independent associations between size, location of the EAF, patient's condition, and the risk of migration or reopening with the different types of stenting were examined using logistic regression analysis. The final management of malignant EAF was esophageal stent in 21 patients, airway stent in 13, and dual stents in 16. No patients failed stenting. During a median follow-up of 178days (range 1-893days), the fistula reopened in 33 (66%) of 50 patients. No factors, including fistula size, location, or initial selection of single or dual stenting, were correlated with reopening. Nineteen (57.6%) of 33 patients needed restenting, and the reopened EAF was sealed off successfully in 52.6% of new stent placements. The clinical failure of EAF closure was correlated only with proximal dilated esophagus (p=0.013). Mean survival in patients with clinical success of EAF closure was also significantly longer than that in patients with clinical failure (242.0 vs. 80.1days, p<0.001). KPS (p=0.026), cough ability (p=0.004), successful closure of EAF (p=0.001), and reopening (p=0.007) all had significant effects on survival. We conclude that SECMS is safe and effective in the palliation of esophageal cancer with malignant EAF, especially in patients with an otherwise excellent general condition. Other modalities of management are recommended for malignant EAF with proximal dilation of the esophagus.

Tracheo-oesophageal fistula after palliative treatment of oesophageal cancer.

We present a case of an 86-year-old male who presented with severe pneumonia in the context of having undergone radiotherapy and then an oesophageal stent insertion for palliation of oesophageal cancer. He was diagnosed with a tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) which was successfully managed by deploying a second stent within the first stent.

Curietherapy in the palliative treatment of esophageal cancer

Les patients atteints du cancer de l’œsophage ont souvent une maladie localement avancée, la dysphagie est le symptôme majeur chez la plupart de ces patients, plusieurs modalités thérapeutiques ont été utilisées pour améliorer cette dysphagie. Le but de ce travail est d’étudier l'efficacité et la tolérance de la curiethérapie haut débit de dose (HDR) endo-luminale dans le traitement palliatif des cancers de l’œsophage inopérable. Sur une période de 15 ans, l’étude a inclus les patients atteints de cancer de l’œsophage inopérable et/ou métastatique avec une dysphagie, sans extension à l'hypopharynx ou a la trachée et qui ont bénéficié d'une curiethérapie HDR avec ou sans radiothérapie externe à visée palliative. Au total 46 patients ont été inclus dans l’étude, 58,7% étaient des hommes, 42,2% avaient une dysphagie grade 2 et 37,8% étaient aphagiques, 78,6% des patients étaient performance satus PS 2, l'amaigrissement à été trouvé chez 81,4%, la localisation de la tumeur était surtout au niveau du tiers moyen et inférieur dans 97,8%, la hauteur médiane de la tumeur était de 7 cm (5,5-9), le carcinome épidermoïde était le type histologique le plus fréquent chez 31 patients (70,5%). Après un médiane de suivi de 5 mois, l'amélioration de la dysphagie a été retrouvée chez 76% des malades (p1]. L′incidence la plus élevée est observée dans certains pays notamment en Asie et en Afrique, et l′incidence dans les pays développés occidentaux est en augmentation [2]. Selon le registre du cancer de Rabat 2006-2008, le cancer de l’œsophage est rare et constitue 1,5% de tous les cancers chez l'homme [3]. Le taux de survie globale à 5 ans est de 8%, avec 80% des décès liés à l’évolution locale de la maladie [4]. Pour la minorité des patients avec une maladie localisée, le traitement par radiochimiothérapie concomitante avec ou sans chirurgie permet une amélioration de la survie [5]. Plus de 50% des patients atteints de cancer de l′œsophage ont une maladie inopérable au moment du diagnostic due à une tumeur localement avancée, des métastases ou un mauvais état général avec une médiane de survie globale de 2,5 à 9,9 mois [6]. La majorité de ces patients ont besoin de soins palliatifs pour soulager la dysphagie qui est présente chez plus de 70% des patients et qui est responsable d'une dégradation importante de la qualité de vie [7]. À l′heure actuelle, plusieurs modalités de prise en charge sont disponibles pour le traitement palliatif de cette dysphagie. Les options de traitement les plus couramment utilisées comprennent le placement de stent métallique [8–10], le traitement au laser [11], et la curiethérapie avec ou sans radiothérapie externe et ou éventuellement une chimiothérapie [12–15]. Une méta-analyse a conclu qu'il n'y a pas de supériorité claire de l'une des méthodes utilisées dans la palliation du cancer de l’œsophage, le choix de l'une de ces méthodes dépend de l'expérience du centre et de l’état du patient. Cette méta-analyse a aussi démontré que la pose d'une prothèse métallique expansible et la curiethérapie étaient les deux méthodes de référence, la première étant la plus rapide pour améliorer la dysphagie, mais la seconde constitue une réelle alternative pouvant améliorer la survie et la qualité de vie [16]. Un inconvénient du traitement au laser est la nécessité de répéter les séances afin d'obtenir et de maintenir le bénéfice [17, 18]. Dans notre centre la curiethérapie est souvent utilisée pour pallier à la dysphagie. Le but de notre travail est de déterminer l'efficacité et la tolérance de la curiethérapie dans le traitement palliatif du cancer de l’œsophage.

Upper Gastrointestinal Stent Insertion in Malignant and Benign Disorders.

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) stents are increasingly being used to manage upper GI obstructions. Initially developed for palliative treatment of esophageal cancer, upper GI stents now play an emerging role in benign strictures of the upper GI tract. Because recurrent obstruction and stent-related complications are common, new modifications of stents have been implemented. Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have replaced older plastic stents. In addition, newly designed SEMS have been developed to prevent complications. This review provides an overview of the various types, indications, methods, complications, and clinical outcomes of upper GI stents in a number of malignant and benign disorders dividing the esophagus and gastroduodenum.

Auxetic oesophageal stents: structure and mechanical properties

Oesophageal cancer is the ninth leading cause of malignant cancer death and its prognosis remains poor, ranking as the sixth most frequent cause of death in the world. This research work aims to adopt an Auxetic (rotating-squares) geometry device, that had previously been examined theoretically and analysed by Grima and Evans (J Mater Sci Lett 19(17):1563-1565, 2000), to produce a novel Auxetic oesophageal stent and stent-grafts relevant to the palliative treatment of oesophageal cancer and also for the prevention of dysphagia. This paper discusses the manufacture of a small diameter Auxetic oesophageal stent and stent-graft. The oral deployment of such an Auxetic stent would be simplest if a commercial balloon dilatational catheter was used as this obviates the need for an expensive dedicated delivery system. A novel manufacturing route was employed in this research to develop both Auxetic films and Auxetic oesophageal stents, which ranged from conventional subtractive techniques to a new additive manufacturing method. Polyurethane was selected as a material for the fabrication of Auxetic films and Auxetic oesophageal stents because of its good biocompatibility and non-toxicological properties. The Auxetic films were later used for the fabrication of seamed Auxetic oesophageal stents. The flexible polyurethane tubular grafts were also attached to the inner luminal side of the seamless Auxetic oesophageal stents, in order to prevent tumour in-growth. Scanning electron microscopy was used to conduct surface morphology study by using different Auxetic specimens developed from different conventional and new additive manufacturing techniques. Tensile testing of the Auxetic films was performed to characterise their mechanical properties. The stent expansion tests of the Auxetic stents were done to analyse the longitudinal extension and radial expansion of the Auxetic stent at a range of radial pressures applied by the balloon catheter, and to also identify the pressure values where the Auxetic stent fails. Finite element models of both Auxetic film and Auxetic stent were developed, and the results were compared with experimental results with a good agreement. The tensile testing of the Auxetic polyurethane films revealed that the Poisson's ratio of the sample ranged between -0.87 and -0.963 at different uniaxial tensile load values. From the stent expansion test, it was found that the Auxetic oesophageal stent radially expanded from 0.5 to 5.73mm and longitudinally extended from 0.15 to 1.83mm at a range of applied pressure increments (0.5-2.7bar) from the balloon catheter.

Influence of Negative Poisson′s Ratio on Stent Applications

Stents are usually defined as small tubular structures that are inserted into the diseased region which provide mechanical support of damaged artery or some other hollow organ to restore lumen and blood flow conditions in arteries. Recently developed stents may accumulate functions; for example, they can be used for drug delivery or for treatment of bleeding esophageal varices. Further clinical failures such as crushing, removing, restenosis are some of the most serious reasons for continuing stent improvements. Therefore, our research study has the design and manufacture of an auxetic structure with enhanced mechanical properties through the tailored negative Poisson’s ratio, and its configuration as an auxetic stent to be used for example in the palliative treatment of esophageal cancer and for the prevention of dysphagia as the main objective. Background: The use of stents for esophageal diseases has evolved greatly over the past 30 years. Esophageal cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the esophagus tube which usually originates in the inner layers of the lining of the esophagus and grows outward. In time, the tumor can obstruct the passage of food and liquid, making swallowing painful and difficult. Since most patients are not diagnosed until the late stages of the disease, esophageal cancer is associated with poor quality of life and low survival rates. Method: This research study is organized in three parts devoted to fabrication of auxetic structure and stent samples, experimental testing and discussion of results. For this purpose a model of an auxetic rotating-square geometry with a circular hole structure is developed by laser cutting apolyurethane sheet. The auxeticoesophageal stent was made by folding and gluing the auxetic sheet (with rigid squares and circular holes) into a cylindrical shape. Combined videoextensometry with compressive and tensile testing are employed to determine the deformation response of the auxetic sheet and stent to obtain stress-strain curves and estimation of Poisson’s ratio.Conclusions: The stenting outcomes are improved through mechanical design with tailored negative Poisson’s ratio through cell geometry of the esophagus stent. Theauxetic stent geometry of rotating squares with circular holes will be lighter in weight; reduces obstruction and food impaction because of its unique deformation mechanism; and can reduces migration of the implant stent by embedding inside the tissue.

Combination of biodegradable stent placement and single-dose brachytherapy is associated with an unacceptably high complication rate in the treatment of dysphagia from esophageal cancer

For the palliative treatment of dysphagia, esophageal stent placement provides immediate improvement, whereas brachytherapy offers better long-term relief. To evaluate safety and efficacy of concurrent brachytherapy and biodegradable stent placement. Prospective, single-arm study. Two tertiary-care referral centers. Nineteen consecutive patients with significant dysphagia resulting from unresectable esophageal cancer, with a life expectancy of more than 3 months. Single-dose brachytherapy (12 Gy) on day 1 followed by biodegradable stent placement on day 2. Intervention-related major complications (determined by an expert panel) and dysphagia. Nineteen patients (13 men, median age 66 years [interquartile range (IQR) 59-71] years) were included; 7 patients (37%) also received palliative chemotherapy. After inclusion of 19 patients, the study was ended prematurely because the safety threshold was exceeded. In total, 28 major complications occurred in 17 patients (89%). In 9 patients (47%), major complications were determined intervention-related (severe retrosternal pain with or without vomiting [n = 6], hematemesis [n = 1], recurrent dysphagia [n = 2]. Dysphagia scores decreased significantly from a median of 3 (IQR 3-4) to a median of 1 (IQR 0-3) after 1 month (P < .001). Despite adequate luminal patency in 17 patients (89%), normal diet could not be tolerated in 7 patients (37%) because of retrosternal pain and vomiting. Lack of routine endoscopy or contrast esophagram to evaluate recurrent dysphagia during follow-up. Despite restoration of luminal patency, a combined treatment of brachytherapy and biodegradable stent placement cannot be recommended for the palliative treatment of esophageal cancer because of an unacceptably high intervention-related major complication rate.

An Auxetic structure configured as oesophageal stent with potential to be used for palliative treatment of oesophageal cancer; development and in vitro mechanical analysis

Oesophageal cancer is the ninth leading cause of malignant cancer death and its prognosis remains poor. Dysphagia which is an inability to swallow is a presenting symptom of oesophageal cancer and is indicative of incurability. The goal of this study was to design and manufacture an Auxetic structure film and to configure this film as an Auxetic stent for the palliative treatment of oesophageal cancer, and for the prevention of dysphagia. Polypropylene was used as a material for its flexibility and non-toxicity. The Auxetic (rotating-square geometry) structure was made by laser cutting the polypropylene film. This flat structure was welded together to form a tubular form (stent), by an adjustable temperature control soldering iron station: following this, an annealing process was also carried out to ease any material stresses. Poisson's ratio was estimated and elastic and plastic deformation of the Auxetic structure was evaluated. The elastic and plastic deformation behaviours of the Auxetic polypropylene film were evaluated by applying repetitive uniaxial tensile loads. Observation of the structure showed that it was initially elastically deformed, thereafter plastic deformation occurred. This research discusses a novel way of fabricating an Auxetic structure (rotating-squares connected together through hinges) on Polypropylene films, by estimating the Poisson's ratio and evaluating the plastic deformation relevant to the expansion behaviour of an Auxetic stent within the oesophageal lumen.

Self-expandable metallic stents for palliative treatment of esophageal cancer

Abstract Background: Esophageal cancer is common in Turkey and diagnosis is usually late and the mean survival ranges from 4 to 6 months. Relief of dysphagia and increase in quality of the life are the targets of palliative therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of self - expandable esophageal metallic stents in patients with advanced esophageal tumors, which is a palliative treatment option. Method: Nineteen patients with inoperable esophageal cancer, who applied to endoscopic unit of medical faculty of Akdeniz University between 2006 and 2010, were evaluated retrospectively. Self - expandable esophageal metallic stents were located to all of them with complaints of dysphagia. Dysphagia was graded before and after stent placement. Complications of stent placement were also evaluated.

Diagnostiek en behandeling van oesofaguscarcinomen

The incidence of esophageal cancer has increased markedly during the past 3 decades, especially due to an increase of the incidence of adenocarcinoma. The prognosis for patients with esophageal cancer is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of 10-25%. The important risk factors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma are smoking and alcohol intake. Esophageal adenocarcinomas are related to gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The diagnostic procedures are not only focused on obtaining diagnoses, but also on determining how advanced the tumor is. If a patient is fit enough to undergo surgery and no evidence is found that the tumor has spread to adjacent organs or that there are distant metastases, a surgical resection is the primary treatment. In case surgical resection is not an option, palliative treatment is generally needed to reduce the complaints of dysphagia. The improvement or maintenance of the quality of life and symptom-control are important goals of both curative and palliative treatment of esophageal cancer.

Is oesophageal stenting for cancer the answer? A report from a secondary hospital in the developing world

Summary Introduction. Oesophageal cancer causes much morbidity and mortality in South Africa. Social and economic constraints further impact on the management of these patients. Many prospective randomised trials of palliative treatment have been done in the developed world, not taking into account these socio-economic constraints. We present a study from Tshepong Hospital, a secondary hospital in South Africa, comparing stenting with radiation therapy in the palliative treatment of oesophageal cancer. Patients and methods. We retrospectively reviewed the data on 30 patients seen between February 2005 and January 2008. All presented with inoperable oesophageal cancer and were palliated with either stenting (N=18) or radiotherapy (N=12). We compared number of admissions, length of hospital stay and time from when first seen to intervention as primary outcomes. Results. The number of admissions, length of hospital stay and days to procedure were significantly lower in the stent group. No major complications resulting from brachytherapy were reported. Complications in the stent group included chest pain, tumour overgrowth, stent migration and death. Discussion. Studies have shown the superiority of brachytherapy over stenting with regard to long-term palliation and number of complications. In our setting, however, socio- economic constraints result in a delay in treatment. Given the short survival expected in these patients, stenting may be a reasonable option to consider given the decreased time to final intervention and hospital stay in patients with a poor prognosis. Adopting a prognostic score can help in identifying these patients.

Brachytherapy for Palliaton of Malignant Disease

Brachytherapy (intraluminal radiotherapy) has been in use for more than two decades as a boost after external beam radiation for the definite treatment of esophageal carcinoma. Recent studies have shown that brachytherapy as a sole treatment is an effective therapy for the palliation of dysphagia caused by inoperable esophageal carcinoma. In comparison to stent placement, which is currently the most widely used palliative treatment for esophageal cancer, single-dose brachytherapy has been shown to be a more effective but also safer treatment option for palliation of dysphagia. A broader use of brachytherapy for the palliative treatment of dysphagia from esophageal cancer, particularly in younger and female patients that have a shorter tumor length, no metastases, and a good performance score, is therefore warranted. New developments include the use of fractionated doses of brachytherapy and the use of stents that have a radioactive source included.

Prospective evaluation of a new high-power argon plasma coagulation system (hp-APC) in therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy

Objective. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate a new high-power argon plasma coagulation system (hp-APC) in therapeutic gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Material and methods. From February to June 2005, 216 patients (167 M (77.3%), mean age 66 years) underwent treatment with hp-APC in a total of 275 sessions. Main indications were additive ablation therapy in Barrett's esophagus, palliative treatment of esophageal cancer, gastric polyps/carcinomas, angiodysplasias, Zenker's diverticula, and duodenal adenomas. The new hp-APC device (VIO 300 D with APC 2) was used (15–120 W) in upper GI endoscopy, push-enteroscopy, and double-balloon enteroscopy. Results. The mean number of treatment sessions required was 1.7 (1–5). For palliative tumor ablation in the esophagus, the number of sessions was 2.3 (1–5). Minor complications (pain, dysphagia, neuromuscular irritation, asymptomatic gas accumulation in the intestinal wall) were observed in 29/216 patients (13.4%). Major complications (perforation, stenosis occured) in 2 patients (0.9%). Conclusions. Hp-APC appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of various GI condition using different types of endoscopes including double-balloon enteroscopy. Because of the low number of treatment sessions required, hp-APC could be used as an alternative to Nd:YAG laser treatment in tumor debulking.

Undernutrition is predictive of early mortality after palliative self-expanding metal stent insertion in patients with inoperable or recurrent esophageal cancer

Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are a first-line therapeutic procedure in the palliative treatment of dysphagia in patients with esophageal cancer. However, the impact of SEMS insertion on patient nutritional status has never been assessed. To evaluate the nutritional status of patients after insertion of a SEMS and the impact of a preexisting undernutrition status on survival. Retrospective observational study. A total of 120 patients treated in a single center by insertion of a SEMS for relief of dysphagia in the palliative treatment of esophageal cancer were retrospectively included. Efficacy of SEMS was assessed by the Ogilvie's dysphagia score. Patient nutritional and clinical statuses were evaluated at SEMS insertion, and patients were regularly followed until death. Independent predictive factors of early 30-day mortality were researched. Dysphagia scores decreased after SEMS insertion in 89.1% of patients, with median scores decreasing from 3.0 to 1.0 (P < .05). There was a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI) (P < .04), serum albumin level (P < .01), and World Health Organization (WHO) performance index (P < .02) at a 1-month evaluation. Serum albumin level, BMI <18 kg/m(2), and WHO performance index >2 at SEMS insertion were independent predictive factors of 30-day mortality. This study suggested that palliative stent placement in esophageal cancer was effective to relieve dysphagia but was not followed by an improvement of nutritional parameters. Moreover, it underlined the key role played by undernutrition on survival.

Palliative Treatment of Esophageal Cancer.

Palliative interventions for advanced esophageal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiation, endoscopic procedures, and combinations of the above. Palliative esophagectomy or bypass procedures are difficult to justify in these patients because their life expectancy is so short. Palliative external beam radiation to doses of 50 to 60 Gy is successful in 50% to 70% of patients. The addition of brachytherapy may improve these results. One third to one half of patients treated with radiation develop benign or maglinant stricture. Although response rates to combination chemotherapy are only 50% at best, the majority of patients do have improvement of dysphagia. These regimens are commonly used as part of a multidisciplinary approach with radiation andøor surgery, rather than as a sole modality of treatment. Chemoradiation regimens results in better survival than treatment with radiation alone, and provide palliation of dysphagia in up to 90% of patients. Although acute toxicity of chemoradiation is more severe than radiation alone, this is of limited duration. Chemoradiation may be the treatment of choice for the majority of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Endoscopic techniques are available that provide palliation of dysphagia. The most commonly used technique is esophageal dilatation, either alone or before performing other palliative procedures such as laser therapy or stent placement. The most significant limitation of dilatation alone is that palliation is short-lived and most patients require repeat dilatations. Esophageal stents offer a high degree of palliation, but procedure-related morbidity and mortality rates are not insignificant. Expandable metal stents are associated with few complications but tumor ingrowth through the metallic mesh is frequent. Conventional plastic stents are not affected by tumor ingrowth but can migrate. Endoscopic laser therapy also provides symptoms relief and complication rates are relatively low. It is possible that a combination of laser therapy and external beam or intraluminal radiation will provide more durable palliation than laser treatment alone. BICAP tumor probes, (Circon-ACMI, Stamford, CT), which provide direct application of electrical current, are limited to treatment of tumors that are circumferential. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which applies laser light along with a photosensitizing agent, has resulted in a high rate of palliation. Limitations of PDT include skin photosensitization requiring patients to stay out of the sun for at least 1 month following treatment, high cost of required equipment, and limited efficacy because of the shallow depth of light penetration. A variety of treatment options exist for the management of tracheoesophageal fistulae (TEF), but only radiation therapy or bypass surgeyr appear to prolong survival. Radiation therapy does not appear to worsen the TEF as was commonly thought in the past, and it is likely applicable in more patients than is surgery. The challenge for the physician in palliating patients with esophageal cancer is to select therapy appropriate for a given patient, taking into account the patient's disease, coexisting medical problems, performance status, and the patient's desires.

Safety and efficacy of a new high power argon plasma coagulation system (hp-APC) in lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Background The aim of this study was to analyze safety and efficacy of a new high power argon plasma coagulation system in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Methods Data of 215 patients treated with a high power argon plasma coagulation system in the upper gastrointestinal tract 04/2003–01/2004, using a VIO APC device (VIO 300 D with APC 2; Erbe Elektromedizin, Tübingen, Germany; pulsed argon plasma coagulation, 20–120 W), were reviewed and analyzed. Indications were as follows: additive ablation therapy in curative treatment of early Barrett's cancer (122 patients); palliative treatment of oesophageal cancer ( n = 27); gastric adenoma/carcinoma ( n = 19); Zenker's diverticulum ( n = 8); and other. In 190/215 patients (149 males; mean age 67 years), the data were completely analyzable. Minor and major complications were evaluated. Results Minor complications (odynophagia, pain, fever) occurred in 24/277 sessions (8.7%); major complications (stenosis) in 3/277 sessions (1.1%) using at least 50 W. No perforation or bleeding occurred. The mean number of treatment sessions required was 1.46 (1–7); in the palliative treatment of oesophageal cancer, it was 2.5 (1–5). Conclusions The high power argon plasma coagulation system was effective and safe in various gastrointestinal conditions. Due to it's high effectiveness and a low number of sessions required in tumour debulking, this high power argon plasma coagulation system might be used as an alternative to Nd:YAG laser.