Combined treatment methods for carcinoma of the esophagus.

From 1950 to 1973, 129 patients received irradiation for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma at the University of California, San Francisco. From this group, 26 received surgical and irradiation treatment. Twelve did not receive irradiation until recurrence became evident and among them were no 5-year survivors. Among the other 14 were six 5-year survivors (43%). The authors believe that planned sequential irradiation and surgery offer the best chance for cure in squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Selection factors, treatment details, and therapeutic regimens are presented and a management plan proposed for this group of operable patients.