Post-Operative Extended Volume External Beam Radiation Therapy Is Safe for High Risk Esophageal Cancer Patients

Edward Yu, University of Western Ontario
Patricia Tai, Allan Blair Cancer Center, Regina, SK
Jawaid Younus, University of Western Ontario
Richard Malthaner, University of Western Ontario
Larry Stitt, University of Western Ontario
Pauline Truong, B.C. Cancer Agency, Victoria, BC
George Rodrigues, University of Western Ontario
Robert Ash, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON
Rashid Dar, University of Western Ontario
Anna Tomiak, Kingston Regional Cancer Center, Kingston, ON
Mark Vincent, University of Western Ontario
Walter Kocha, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON
Brian Dingle, University of Western Ontario
Richard Inculet, University of Western Ontario

Article comments

Presentation at the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists (CARO) Annual Scientific Meeting in Toronto, ON in Oct. 2007

Abstract

Post-operative radiation therapy (RT) (1) and post-operative chemoradiation (2) have been used for esophageal cancer patients deemed high risk for recurrence after esophagectomy.

Defining opitmal RT target volume after esophagectomy is difficult due to significant changes in patient anatomy and function.

Some radiationon cologists advocated the inclusion of the anastomotic site within the irradiation volume due to concerns for potential increased relapse risk, while others did not subscribe to this practice due to concerns for increased treatment related toxicity.

We have previously reported patient outcome benefit using extended volume RT In management with high risk esophageal cancer patients underwent esopagectomy(3).

We have performed a Phase I study to evaluate the safety of subscription to this practice.

(1). Folk et al, Surgery, 113:1993

(2). Bedard et al, Cancer, 91;2001

(3). Yu et al, Radiother & Oncol, 73;2004