A Study of consolidation chemotherapy after CCRT in locally advanced carcinoma esophagus. an observational study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The overall five-year cure rates for patients with carcinoma esophagus have not changed significantly over the past few decades, despite the excellent progress made in supportive care, surgical technique, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
AIMS & OBJECTIVE(S): To see the effects of consolidation chemotherapy after CCRT in locally advanced Esophageal carcinoma, in terms of overall response, toxicity and survival
PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged ≥ 18 to 70 years with locally advanced carcinoma esophagus post NACCRT who are not a surgical candidate with ECOG performance score of 0 or 1 were enrolled.
STUDY DESIGN: An Observational prospective Study.

METHODS: This study was a hospital based prospective observational study conducted from Nov 2018 to Aug 2020. All selected patients received 4 cycle of consolidation chemotherapy after completion of CCRT.
RESULTS: After receiving treatment most of the patients had significant response in symptoms. There was improvement in grade of dysphagia, weakness and anorexia.
Conclusion : Consolidation chemotherapy after CCRT is well tolerated and leads to improvement in symptoms and should be considered after CCRT in patients with residual disease who are not surgical candidates
IMPLICATIONS: The addition of consolidation chemotherapy to CCRT can be considered. However randomized comparison to other consolidation chemotherapy regimen and other treatment modalities is warranted.