Study of radiation dosage in esophageal carcinoma.

A series of 221 esophageal carcinoma patients admitted from 1983 to 1984 for radiotherapy was randomised into two groups. Group A was given 50 Gy/5 wk, 111 patients and Group B 70 Gy/7 wk, 110 patients. Three in group A and 11 in Group B did not complete their treatment due to adverse reactions. The 5-year survival rates of Groups A and B were 16.7% and 17.2% (P greater than 0.5). Because of the absence of excellent results and higher incidence of discontinuation of therapy in the 70 Gy group, the authors believe that the high dose regimen is not warranted in esophageal cancer.